Kitty Hawk police have identified a couple killed Monday walking along Beach Road as Alan and Holly Nicollette of Mechanicsville, Virginia.

Police say the couple was walking with their two young children and two older family members along the shoulder of N.C. 12 near Maynard Street about 2:30 p.m. when they were struck from behind by a pickup.

The truck struck one of the children, one of the older adults and both Alan and Holly Nicollette. The child was treated and released from The Outer Banks Hospital and the adult treated at the scene. The Nicolettes were both flown by helicopter to Sentara in Norfolk, where both died, police said.

Alan Nicolette, 37, was a native of Leesburg, Virginia. Holly Nicolette, 40, taught 5th grade for Hanover County schools.

Kitty Hawk Police Chief Joel Johnson said preliminary information indicated the family had been crossing the road, not at a cross walk, but investigators have since learned they were following all state laws and walking on the shoulder.

The pickup driver apparently either suffered a medical emergency or fell asleep at the wheel, Johnson said. He was taken to the hospital for observation, the chief said.

In a statement, Hanover schools Superintendent Michael Gill said the school division is heartbroken. Holly Nicollete had taught for Hanover schools for 13 years. She was vacationing with family in the Outer Banks for spring break.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones for their devastating and unimaginable loss. We are grateful for her dedicated service to Hanover County Public Schools and the positive impact that she had on the lives of her students and colleagues. We will provide extra support to our students and staff as they return to school on Monday and begin dealing with this incredibly sad loss.”

This is a developing story, we’ll have more as it becomes available.