Peabody residents celebrating the holidays’ start were stunned to receive news from Mayor Edward Bettencourt Friday regarding the death of School Superintendent Cara Murtagh.
“I am very sorry to share with you the terrible news of the sudden and unexpected passing of School Superintendent Cara Murtagh.
Superintendent Murtagh’s talent, energy and can-do spirit inspired all those whose lives she touched. Her selfless devotion to our students, faculty and staff, combined with her lifelong passion for education, lifted the entire Peabody school community.
I was honored to work with Cara every day and proud to call her my friend. On behalf of our entire community, I have extended to Cara’s family our heartfelt sympathy and loving support,” posted Bettencourt.
Peabody Councilor at large Thomas Gould confirmed Murtagh’s death and said the superintendent died sometime Thursday night. He referred questions concerning the 44-year-old Murtagh’s death to Bettencourt who, said Gould, informed residents of her passing through a city-wide “robo call” on Friday.
This year was Murtagh’s second as leader of a 6,000-student school system run by 1,000 educators, administrators and other employees in various supporting roles.
Her career as an educator spanned 23 years — all of them working in Peabody. In an August interview, she told the Item her goals for the 2019-2020 school year included “conquer challenges and celebrate our success.”
This is a developing story. Stay with itemlive.com.
