Naperville mourns crossing guard

A longtime Naperville crossing guard was found dead in her vehicle Monday outside River Woods Elementary School, police said.

Pat Hamel, a school crossing guard for more than 29 years, was pronounced dead at Edward Hospital after a passer-by found her unresponsive in her vehicle near her assigned post, police said Wednesday.

“At this time the cause of her death is unknown, however, foul play has been ruled out,” Sgt. Gregg Bell said. “Pat will be missed not only by the staff of the police department and the city of Naperville, but also by the countless number of students she ushered across the street in safety for nearly three decades.”

Police said Hamel spent most of her career at River Woods, 2607 River Woods Drive.

Funeral arrangements are pending.