Jennifer Cook, RIC Professor, Dies in NY Truck Crash

A Rhode Island College professor was killed after authorities said she was hit by a truck in New York.

Jennifer Cook, 43, died Friday in Syracuse, according to Syracuse.com.

Police said Cook was walking with her 72-year-old mother on East Genesee Street when a pickup truck swerved and struck the pair. Cook's mother, Barbara, was listed in serious condition Sunday at a nearby hospital, Syracuse.com reported.

The driver of the truck was 86-year-old James McDonald, police said. Authorities are investigating the crash.

Cook taught English and secondary education at Rhode Island College.

"Dr. Cook was a well-liked and well-respected member of the English Department and of the Educational Studies Department," said RIC President Nancy Carriuolo in a statement. "We all thought that Jenn, who was tenured a few years ago, had a long career ahead of her at Rhode Island College."

RIC English Department Chair Daniel Scott added, "Over the years, she inspired and trained hundreds of students who are now teachers in Rhode Island and around the country. That's a huge legacy."

Cook taught at RIC for 10 years. She's survived by her spouse, Moira Collins, an adjunct professor in the RIC English Department.