AllentownSchool District

A joint statement from the Allentown School District and City of Allentown regarding Dieruff High School Tragedy.

A joint statement from the Allentown School District and City of Allentown regarding Dieruff High School Tragedy.
Posted on 09/07/2022

On Tuesday, September 6 at 6:42 a.m. a serious traffic accident involving an employee of the Allentown School District occurred outside of Dieruff High School while she was crossing Irving Street. This led to increased police and first responder presence throughout the day.

We are saddened to report that Ms. Angela Yowakim passed away from injuries sustained during that accident. 

The City of Allentown and the Allentown School District extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Yowakim.

She was a dedicated team member: employed by the district as a paraprofessional since 2019 and a 2015 Dieruff High School graduate.

The family has requested privacy during this very difficult time.

The district’s crisis response team has enhanced support at Dieruff, and encourages grieving staff, students, and families to speak with a counselor or school psychologist. 

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, Police Chief Charles Roca, and Superintendent Dr. John Stanford urge families and students to always use caution and be aware of their surroundings while walking to and from school. Those operating vehicles in school zones and dropping off students are reminded to follow speed limits, to come to a complete stop at stop signs, and to not block crosswalks.

The City will continue to focus on educating motorists about pedestrian safety and take actions to improve infrastructure for safer streets. The Allentown Police Department will also continue traffic enforcement operations throughout the City.

The investigation regarding this incident is ongoing by the Allentown Police Department, Lehigh County District Attorney's office, and the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Sergeant Eric Stauffer of the Allentown Police Department Traffic Division at 610-437-7732, ext. 2326 or the Allentown Police Non-Emergency number at 610-437-7751.

Tips may also be submitted through the Tip411 application available on the City of Allentown Police Department website www.allentownpa.gov/police. Callers and tipsters may remain anonymous.

There will be no further comment at this time regarding this investigation.