Gov. Deal orders Cobb flags lowered in honor of crossing guard

Edna Umeh

Credit: None

Credit: None

Edna Umeh

Governor Nathan Deal has ordered flags in Cobb County lowered to half-staff Friday and Saturday in honor of Edna Umeh, a crossing guard killed last week in front of Lindley Middle School.

“Ms. Umeh proudly served the citizens of Cobb County and gave her life while ensuring the safe passage of students walking to school,” the executive order said.

Umeh was struck and killed by a driver last Thursday morning as children were arriving at school.

Her death has sparked calls from her family and the community to address what many characterized as a dangerous stretch of Veterans Memorial Highway in Mableton.

Although the four-lane divided highway is a school zone, there are no lights or crosswalks at the entrance to Lindley. Umeh's family has said she was outspoken about her concern for the safety of students, parents and crossing guards.

Cobb County transportation officials are conducting a “safety audit” of the area.

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