A much-loved St. Paul artist was hit and killed by a garbage truck Friday morning as she walked her dog.

Jean Matzke, 70, was trying to cross the street at the intersection of 5th and Sibley on her way to Mears Park. The truck turned left from 5th onto Sibley and hit her.

It happened just before 6 a.m.

Matze was a well-respected member of the Twin Cities art community. Her needlepoint and embroidery work hang in galleries, the Minnesota Historical Society and universities across the state.

Her friends said she was once on the faculty at the College of St. Benedict.

After the accident, police inspected the garbage truck and began trying to figure out what happened and why the driver didn't see Matzke.

Police said the driver, Douglas Michael Platt of Lakeville, is cooperating with investigators.

Allied Waste Services owns the truck and is referring all questions to police.

Matze's dog was not hurt and was turned over to St. Paul Animal Control.