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Gwinnett Co. assistant principal killed in accidental fall

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Family and students are mourning the loss of a Gwinnett County elementary school principal who died in a tragic accident over the weekend.

Channel 2's Liz Artz spoke to Cathy and Zach Doppel about their daughter, Jennifer Niday.

"She was such a wonderful woman, mother, wife. My best friend," Cathy Doppel said.

Niday has been the assistant principal at McKendree Elementary School for five years and a Gwinnett County educator for 13 years. Former students said she was beloved and had an infectious smile.

Niday was visiting friends in Athens over the weekend with her family when she fell down a flight of stairs and hit her head. The 36-year-old mother of two boys did not survive the fall.

The McKendree Elementary School principal told families in a letter sent home with students on Monday.

Niday's parents said she has helped save lives by donating her organs.

Grief counselors will be available to students on Tuesday.