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Former HS Football Player Killed In Route 287 Crash Mourned As ‘Kind, Compassionate' Teen

A 19-year-old former Bergen County high school football player died after crashing off the highway in Mahwah, officials confirmed

Johnny Pluchino

Johnny Pluchino

Photo Credit: GoFundMe photo

Jonathan "Johnny" Rodriguez-Pluchino, of Oakland, was driving north on Route 287 when his car veered off the road and struck several trees near milepost 65.4 around 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, according to State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.

Rodriguez-Pluchino suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital, where he later died, police said. The crash remains under investigation.

Later that day, loved ones launched a GoFundMe campaign in his honor, describing Johnny as a “light in the lives of everyone who knew him.”

Records show Johnny played football for Indian Hills High School.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved brother, Johnny, who left us far too soon on 6/10/25 at only 19 years old,” wrote his siblings Kristina, Michael, Kaitlin, and Daniel. “He was not only a cherished son and sibling, but also a friend, a confidant, and a light.”

They described Johnny as someone with a “heart full of love and compassion,” who touched lives with his kindness, laughter, and generous spirit.

The fundraiser had reached $12,000 as of press time. Proceeds will help cover funeral and memorial costs, the family said.

“Any contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward honoring Johnny’s memory and helping our mom in this unimaginable time.”

Click here to view the campaign.

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