Dr. Jan Huston, Medical Director of the Breast Center at HackensackUMC, died at the same hospital on the morning of March 21 after being struck by a car near her home in Essex Fells.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Essex Fells Police Chief William Theilacker sent the following announcement yesterday:
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Essex Fells Police Department are investigating a fatal pedestrian incident that resulted in the death of Dr. Jan Huston-Pryor, 66, of Essex Fells.
At approximately 9:25 am today Dr. Huston-Pryor was struck in the 200 block of Devon Road in Essex Fells.
The driver, who is not being identified at this time, remained at the scene. No one has been charged at this time.
Dr. Huston-Pryor was transported to Mountainside Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 9:45 am.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
Prior to joining Mountainside Medical Group, Dr. Huston was the founder and director for Summit Breast Care. Trained as a general and vascular surgeon, she devoted her career to the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. Known for her calm and compassionate manner, Dr. Huston was beloved by patients and respected by her peers as one of the region’s leading breast surgeons.
John Fromhold, CEO HackensackUMC Mountainside, released the following statement on behalf of the hospital:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Jan Huston, Medical Director of our Breast Health Program and a Mountainside Medical Group physician. Dr. Huston was a beloved colleague and a strong advocate for women’s health throughout the community. Among her many attributes, Jan was kind-hearted and enthusiastic, always bringing laughter and a smile to those around her.
Jan positively impacted thousands of lives through her skill, dedication and commitment to her patients. Her affiliation with HackensackUMC Mountainside was a constant source of pride for myself and all of her colleagues at the hospital. Jan’s immeasurable commitment to her family, to her patients and to the community at large ensures that while she will be greatly missed, she will never be forgotten.
Dr. Huston or was also the last owner of Rocky, Montclair’s beloved horse, haven taken ownership of the horse after Maurice Mannion-Vanover died. Rocky became quite attached to her when she was a student rider. After a much conversation, ownership of Rocky was transferred to Dr. Huston, but Rocky remained at his home in Montclair. Jan, her husband Jonathan Pryor, and their family of 12 children became a perfect new “herd” for Rocky until his death last June.
Baristanet offers our deepest condolences to the Huston-Pryor family and friends.
Riders of DeCamp bus No. 66 between Montclair and NYC might view the trip as a daily necessity, but the bus’ driver, Clifford M. Blackwell, finds it inspirational.
Micaela Aldridge, a Montclair native, has been named as part of the 
