A crossing guard was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer this morning while on the job in Hempstead.

Virginia Carol Leviner was hit at South Franklin and Grove streets, according to police. People near the scene say she died while trying to protect a child who was crossing the street, but that has not been confirmed by police.

Police say the driver stopped and that there are no criminal charges at this time. The case is still under investigation. Officials are asking any witnesses or people who have information on the incident to call 800-244-TIPS.

Residents in the area say Leviner had worked at the same spot for almost 30 years.

"People had their own kids, she crossed their kids ... so everyone knew and loved my mother," says Karen Leviner, the victim's daughter.