'Amazing Mother': Woman Fatally Struck In Morris County

PEQUANNOCK, NJ — Jill Altman Russo attended nearly every home and away game for the Rowan women's basketball team. The team, for which her daughter plays, could always expect kind words from Russo.

Russo died Saturday after a vehicle struck her during her morning run in Morris County, according to friends and loved ones. Her unexpected death left three college-age children without a mother, according to a GoFundMe supporting the Russo family.

Friends, loved ones and the Rowan women's basketball team have rallied around the Russo's in the wake of Jill's death, raising more than $37,000 in 24 hours.

"We are too quickly reminded that life is short and fragile," Rowan Women's Basketball wrote on social media. "Wake up each day with gratitude, embrace those you love longer, and shake off the little things that may not matter as much in life — it is too short. We love you, Jill."

The Pequannock Police Department confirmed that a vehicle struck a pedestrian at about 8:20 a.m. Saturday but did not publicly identify anyone involved. Officials took the victim to Chilton Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 8:43 that morning.

The vehicle also hit a cyclist, who went to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The driver continues to fully cooperate with the investigation, according to authorities.

But in the meantime, those who knew Russo have fond memories.

"She was an amazing mother, sister, daughter and above all to me, friend," Jack McGuinness wrote on Facebook. "She brightened the day of those she spoke to on a daily basis. I am proud of her many accomplishments including her carpentry skills, landscaping, vacation planning, coach, and hockey player skills."

The GoFundMe will help the Russo family with funeral expenses and her childrens' college education and everyday needs. The Rowan women's basketball team also shared a Meal Train page for the Russo family.