Centenary University presidents wife dies after hit-and-run crash in Hackettstown

The wife of Centenary Universitys president has died following a hit-and-run crash Saturday morning in Hackettstown, authorities and the Warren County college announced.

Jeanne Murphy, married to President Bruce Murphy, was struck at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Reese Avenue, near First Avenue, Hackettstown Police and the Warren County Prosecutors Office said.

Murphy, 70, was on her morning walk when she was struck, the university said.

She was taken to Hackettstown Medical Center and then flown to Morristown Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at noon Sunday, prosecutors said.

Authorities announced Monday the driver of the vehicle, Jefferson Chimbo-Pelaez, 25, of Hackettstown, has been charged. Court records show he faces third-degree charges of knowingly leaving the scene of a crash and endangering, along with fourth-degree hindering.

Prosecutors did not say when and where Chimbo-Pelaez was arrested. He is being held in the Warren County Correctional Facility.

The school in a prepared statement asked the community to pray for the Murphy family, and give them privacy to grieve. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. Counselors will be available for students and staff this week on campus.

Jeanne Murphy was a retired U.S. Army colonel who served in the military for 30 years. Bruce Murphy was named the schools 14th president and took the role in 2020.

Jeanne Murphy was devoted to her family and working to advance the futures of Centenary University students and veterans, the universitys statement said.

She took great joy in her dog, Weegee, who was adopted by the Murphys last year, as well as the universitys Equine Studies program, including programs for disabled riders and veterans.

A former competitive runner and swimmer, Jeanne Murphy was the first woman ever selected to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon Team in 1975. She served on the United States Olympic Committee Board of Directors and chaired the USOC Multi-Sport Organizations Council for 10 years.

Bruce Murphy announced in September he planned to retire as president of Centenary University at the end of his contract in June.

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Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.