Israel Razak Adebayo of Easton, PA, was under his friend’s Nissan Altima doing automotive repairs on Somerset Street in Newark when the driver of a Dodge Charger -- traveling at a high rate of speed -- lost control and struck the Nissan last Friday, Oct. 1, authorities said.
debayo was pronounced dead at 2:55 p.m., and the driver of the Dodge Charger remained at the scene, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said.
Adebayo, 56, was the youth pastor with the Christ Glory International Ministry in Irvington. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, relatives and countless other friends and loved ones.
A GoFundMe page created by Adedamola Adedeji is raising money in his honor. As of Tuesday morning, more than $14,000 had been raised.
"Pastor Israel Adebayo dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and winning souls for Christ," the GoFundMe page says.
"He was instrumental in the upbringing of a lot of young souls and teaching the way of the Lord."
Condolences poured in.
“Brother Razak” as we fondly called him since we were all teenagers at CGIM," one person wrote.
"He was gentle and extremely kind. Gentle is the only word that comes to my mind when I think of him. May his soul Rest In Peace."
"Pastor Isreal was a blessing to my life." another said. "He will be greatly missed."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Pascack Valley and receive free news updates.