DENHAM SPRINGS — A crossing guard died after being hit by a vehicle at a Denham Springs elementary school on Thursday afternoon, according to authorities. 

Crossing guard Katy Wells was on duty after school at Gray's Creek Elementary when she was hit by a truck driving northwest on Hwy. 16, a Livingston Parish Schools spokesperson said. She died as a result of the crash. 

Deputies took the truck driver into custody, and Sheriff Jason Ard tells WBRZ that impairment is suspected. 

The school system said Wells has worked for it and the sheriff's office for 40 years, and was most recently a crossing guard for Gray's Creek Elementary and Seventh Ward Elementary. 

"She was a true servant to her community and she will be deeply missed. The Livingston Parish Public School System asks for prayers and support for Mrs. Wells’ family and the many community members that she has touched over the years."

"This is a devastating loss for our community. She was loved. She was more than a crossing guard. She took great pride in protecting our children," Sheriff Jason Ard said, offering prayers to Wells' family. 

LPSO is on scene and asks drivers to avoid the area.