outside Samuel Chase Elementary School following the accident (@lindseymastis via Instagram)
TEMPLE HILLS, Md. (WUSA) -- Prince George's County Police have released the identity of the pedestrian who was struck and trapped under a yellow school maintenance van in the 5900 block of Fisher Road and died earlier Monday.
Bernette Tucker Butler, 48, of the 5900 block of Moritz Drive, Temple Hills, Md., died on Monday after being hit by the van.
Authorities say the van was likely backing up in the parking lot of Samuel Chase Elementary School when it hit Butler, who was walking behind the van trying to cross the parking lot. Authorities are interviewing the driver, who they say is cooperating with them. Police say that alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors in the collision.
Charges are pending, the investigation is continuing, and police say there is no additional information as of Monday evening.
Butler had no pulse and was not breathing when an emergency crew arrived at the scene. Crew members had to use air bag-like devices, which they inflated, to get her from under the van.
According to authorities, she had no ties to the school.
The superintendent of Prince George's County Public Schools released the following statement on Monday:
"On behalf of the Prince George's County Public Schools community, I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family of the victim involved in this tragic incident at Samuel Chase Elementary School. We are working closely with the Prince George's County Police Department to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident."
Dr. William R. Hite, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools