Security guard found dead inside Union City High School
Union City NJ Sept 5 2019 A 58-year-old security guard at Union City High School was found dead inside the school Wednesday morning, one day before students return to classes, officials said.
Maura Diaz, who worked for the school district for 20 years, was found shortly after 11 a.m. Union City police and EMS responded to the school, and Diaz was pronounced dead at the scene, Union City spokeswoman Erin Knoedler said.
Her death has been deemed not suspicious, Knoedler added.
In what was likely one of her last acts, Diaz changed her profile picture on Facebook to a quote by Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges: “Death is a life lived. Life is a death that comes.”
Mayor Brian Stack called Diaz’s death a “true tragedy.”
“I have known Ms. Diaz and her family for over 20 years. She is a dear friend and I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing. Union City is a tight knit community and when one of us is in pain, we all feel it,” Stack said in a statement. “As we enter a new school year, this is a jarring reminder to take care and comfort each other.”
“Maura Diaz was a wonderful employee and her absence will be felt by the Board of Education and the community. Our hearts are heavy today as we try to make sense of this loss,” Superintendent Silvia Abbato said. “Counselors will be available for any students or staff during this difficult time.”
Police are not seeking an suspects and there is no danger at the school.
