ASHBURN, Va. (CBSDC) - Students at one elementary school in Ashburn will return to school Monday to the news that their principal passed away over Thanksgiving break.

Kathleen Hwang – principal at Sanders Corner Elementary School since 2005 – was killed in a traffic accident near her home Wednesday afternoon.

Loudoun County Public Schools released a statement Friday after hearing the news:

It is with deep regret that Loudoun County Public Schools informs the public of the death of Sanders Corner Elementary School Principal Kathleen Hwang. 

This is a sad time in the life of this vibrant school, and we are grateful for the years of outstanding leadership given to Sanders Corner by Mrs. Hwang since 2005.

The school system says a Crisis Resource Team will be on duty when class resumes on Monday morning.