'Close-Knit' Somerville Community Mourns the Death of First-Grader

The close-knit community of  began the grieving process Tuesday after a first grade student died Monday night in what law enforcement officials are calling a "tragic accident."

Kelly Creegan, 6, was  Monday night in a driveway on Overbrook Road. Police have released few details of the incident, which remains under investigation.

Somerville Principal Lorna Oates-Santos said the mood was somber at the school on Tuesday.

"The whole school community is very sad about this loss, speaking constantly about the Creegan family and sending our thoughts out to them," she said Tuesday.

The principal described the community as "heartbroken" over the death of Creegan.

School counselors and staff provided support to students on Tuesday, which will continue throughout the week.

The principal and counselors scheduled a meeting with the community in the library at 7 p.m. Tuesday to discuss how to "address the tragic loss of a child," Oates-Santos said.

"Somerville is known for being an incredibly close-knit community," Oates-Santos said. "Things like this really show the true colors of the school, which is that everyone helps each other out."

Creegan, the youngest daughter of Jeffrey and Elise Creegan, was a parishioner of Our Lady Mt. Carmel Church, was active in Daisy Girl Scouts and the Kindness Club, studied at Ridgewood Irish Dance Studio, and played soccer, according to an obituary published on the website of .

Creegan's parents are active members of the Somerville community. Jeffrey Creegan is a volunteer firefighter and the Somerville HSA treasurer. His wife Elise, , worked on the Somerville 4th of July Parade float and has been active in the education community.

Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said in a statement that the incident may bring up "unresolved feelings" children may want to discuss.

"You can help your child by listening carefully, not over-reacting, accepting his/her feelings and answering questions honestly according to your beliefs," Fishbein said. "You know your child best and how to approach talking to him/her about this event."

The funeral mass will be held at  on Friday at 10:45 a.m. The interment will follow in Christ the King Cemetery in Franklin Lakes.

Visiting hours are Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Feeney Funeral Home.