Wheatland-Chili teacher killed in hit-and-run crash

A Wheatland-Chili teacher died after she was struck by a car while crossing Elmwood Avenue near the University of Rochester campus Thursday morning, police confirmed.

Jill Skivington Jackett, 38, of Rochester was struck while jogging during a hit-and-run on Elmwood Avenue near Wilson Boulevard, Rochester Police Lt. Frank Umbrino said.

She suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where she died, said Umbrino.

"The Wheatland-Chili school community is mourning the tragic loss of teacher and alumni Jill Jackett," Wheatland-Chili schools said in a release. "Jill taught English at Wheatland-Chili High School for ten years. She coached cross-country and directed the school musicals."

The statement continued, "We all knew and loved Jill, and will keep her family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Counselors will be available for students and staff in need of support throughout the day on Friday."

Well-known throughout Rochester's running community, Skivington Jackett competed in local races and was a past winner of the Rochester marathon.

Just before 6 a.m., Rochester police were called to the scene after it was reported that an eastbound vehicle had struck a pedestrian on Elmwood Avenue, according to a statement from Rochester Police Capt. Jeff Koehn.

After the collision, the vehicle continued east without stopping, he said. Umbrino said the vehicle was a "black, late-model sedan. We're very confident that through our investigation we're going to be able to identify the year, make, and model of that vehicle. We have a substantial amount of physical evidence and also an abundance of video down in that area."

He added, "At this time, we're not even sure if the driver is aware that they hit Jill."

Elmwood Avenue between Genesee Street and Kendrick Road had been closed for the investigation and was reopened about 12:30 p.m.

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Eric Eagan, president of TrailsROC, knew Skivington Jackett through the running community.

"There's probably not a better spirit that you can see when somebody is running than Jill," Eagan said. "She was just full of joy. When she would see you, she would smile, like a genuine smile."

Eagan said Skivington Jackett always wanted to hear about other runners and their progress, even after she had just won a race.

"The next minute, she would be like, 'How are you doing?' She wouldn't even want to talk about her own accolades," he said. "She was interested in other people and all that other stuff."

Mort Nace, the general manager of Medved Running and Walking Outfitters, competed with Skivington Jackett and organized races that she ran in. Skivington Jackett ran with the Medved winter racing team.

He said he found out about her death this afternoon while at a running trade show in Texas. Nace said he had to walk away from the show floor to collect his thoughts.

"I'm surrounded by a lot of friends and the entire running industry," he said, "and then I hear a close friend was killed while running today, it's just really hard to swallow. It's just really difficult to process right now."

Skivington Jackett always had a huge smile on her face after races, Nace said. But that smile couldn't hide her determination and drive.

"She was so talented," Nace said. "She was a fast lady. You could count on her to always race hard, but smile at the same time. She just had great energy. She always had a big smile on her face after a race. She was such a tough competitor."

Nace said Skivington Jackett "was feisty in a fun way. She competed in races I organized and she would give me the business. She was just a good spirit."

Nace said that running creates a true community and that Skivington Jackett was part of that fabric. "The main reason why I do what I do with Medved is the community that we're a piece of. She's a special person."

Officers continue to investigate the crash. Anyone with information about the crash or anyone in the area at that time is asked to call 911, Umbrino said.

Bringing closure to Skivington Jackett's family is a top priority, Umbrino said.

"Our hearts and prayers go out with Jill's family," Umbrino said. "Our objective at this point is to be able to give them the answers to all the questions they have, so they can try to move on. This is every family's worst nightmare. Not having answers makes it even worse, if that's even possible."

PSINGER@Gannett.com

VFREILE@Gannett.com

WCLEVELAND@Gannett.com