Richmond principal visits school two months after he was seriously injured in crash
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond Public Schools' Superintendent has announced the return of Mary Munford Elementary School's principal two months after he was seriously injured in a crash while riding his bike.
On Wednesday, June 4, Richmond Public Schools' Superintendent Jason Kamras announced in a message that Mary Munford Principal Greg Muzik had returned to school for a "surprise visit" on Friday, May 30, two months after he was seriously injured in a crash in March.
At 4:38 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, officers with the Richmond Police Department responded to the 4400 block of Patterson Avenue for the report of a crash involving a cyclist.
Investigators initially determined that both the cyclist -- Muzik -- and a car were heading west on Patterson Avenue when the cyclist moved into the travel lane in front of the car. The car then rear-ended Muzik, throwing him from his bike.
Muzik was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were considered to be life-threatening, according to police.
On Friday, April 18, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in Richmond issued a press release detailing its findings on the circumstances of the crash after an extensive investigation.
The office said it was determined through witness interviews that Muzik was riding his electric bicycle between the parking lane and the vehicle traffic lane — outside of the designated bicycle lane. At the time of the crash, he appeared to be trying to turn onto Woodlawn Avenue.
“One witness described that ‘the cyclist hit the car’ on the passenger side,” said Richmond’s Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin. “Investigators confirmed the bicycle and SUV made initial contact at the front right hood and fender.”
Based on these interviews and an inspection of Muzik’s bike, which found no rear damage, the office determined that Muzik could not have been hit from behind, as initially reported.
Additionally, a Crash Team's investigation found no evidence that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was speeding, driving recklessly, under the influence, using a cell phone or "otherwise failing to pay attention," according to officials.
The office explained that some questions remained unanswered. For example, a car was parked in the designated parking lane and it could not be determined “whether that vehicle created an obstruction” to Muzik’s line of sight. Additionally, it could not be determined “whether the numerous bicycle lane and parking lane markings may have contributed to this collision.”
“Given the lack of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt required to prosecute either the driver of the SUV or the bicyclist, the Commonwealth declines prosecution and no charges will be filed in this unfortunate incident,” McEachin said.
Two months after the incident, Muzik reportedly went on stage during a fifth-grade graduation ceremony to "thunderous applause and tearful cheers."
Afterwards, Muzik toured the school as students lined the halls in celebration, honoring not just Muzik, but a "beloved leader and friend," according to Kamras.
Mary Munford Elementary School principal Greg Muzik touring the school on Friday, May 30, two months after a crash left him seriously injured. (Photo courtesy: Mary Munford Elementary School)
(Photo courtesy: Mary Munford Elementary School)
Mary Munford Elementary School principal Greg Muzik attending a fifth-grade graduation ceremony on Friday, May 30. (Photo courtesy: Mary Munford Elementary School)
In a Facebook post on June 4, Mary Munford Elementary School shared photos of Muzik touring the school and on stage at the graduation, which was accompanied with the following message:
"A heartfelt thank you to Sheltering Arms for making a very special moment possible—bringing our beloved principal, Mr. Muzik, back to Munford to see his students and staff on the last day of school. It meant the world to all of us!"
