He was responsible for ensuring younger students walking home during lunch safely crossed the street.
As the temblor began, Klegman shouted to Myrna Phelps, a second grader who was standing in the school yard, "Stop where you are!
Phelps has credited Klegman's order for her to remain in the relative safety of the school yard with saving her life.
[3] Klegman then rushed inside the building to find kindergarten student Kelcy Robert Allen alone in a hallway.
Unable to make it clear of the structure, Klegman shielded Allen with his body and was killed by falling bricks.