Hess School Swim Teacher Dies From Car Accident Injuries

Margaret Stringer, a longtime swim instructor at the Hess School in Mays Landing, died on Tuesday, March 11th, from injuries she received in a car accident a month ago.

Stringer, 52, from Hammonton, had been a swimming and gym teacher at the Hess School Educational Complex in Hamilton Township since it's opening in 1991, according to her obituary.

Stringer suffered serous injuries in a February 15th car accident in Galloway Township. According to the Press of Atlantic City, Stringer was driving on Cologne Avenue when  Valerie Sye of Camden County failed to stop for a stop sign and hit the driver's side of Stringer's car, forcing it in to a utility pole. Sye was issued a summons for careless driving after the accident.  It hasn't been determined if she will face upgraded charges following Stringer's death.

Coach Stringer was a graduate of Mainland High School and held degrees in Health/Physical Education from West Chester University and a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology from Temple University. Stringer had been an American Red Cross Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard for 30 years. She was also the Head Swim Instructor for the Hamilton Township Summer Swim Program.

Stringer was in her second winter season as a coach with the South Jersey Mariners swim team.The team posted this statement on their website concerning her death.

"Our Swim Team, our School System, our community & all her family & friends mourn the loss of Coach Margaret Stringer who passed away on March 11, 2014. She will forever be in our memories when thinking about swimming & the Hess Pool. Her goal in life was to teach all children to swim in hopes to prevent children from drowning when we live so close to many bodies of water. She has impacted thousands of children & parents lives through this skill. Several coaches have suggested we name the Hess Pool after Margaret Stringer. We will keep you posted on that progress along with when the Memorial Service will be & where."

The Mariners are also planning a quilt raffle to help the Stringer family with expenses.

A viewing will be held Sunday, March 16th, from 6-9pm at the Adams-Perfect Funeral Home in Northfield, and her funeral is scheduled for Monday at 10am at Shore Fellowship Church in Egg Harbor Township.