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Boy Who Drowned On First Day Of NJ Summer Camp Defied Odds Since Birth, Campaign Says Boy Who Drowned On First Day Of NJ Summer Camp Defied Odds Since Birth, Campaign Says
Boy Who Drowned On First Day Of NJ Summer Camp Defied Odds Since Birth, Campaign Says The 6-year-old boy who died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a South Jersey summer camp has been identified, authorities said. Michael Stewart was a rising first grader at the Lumberton Township School District, Superintendent Colleen Murray said in a letter to the community posted on the district's website. A GoFundMe campaign launched for his mother, Enjoli, said Michael drowned during free swim at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Mansfield Township. "Michael came into this world a fighter from the day he was born," reads the campaign launched by Kayla Ogletree. "He…

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by Jon Craig & Cecilia Levine
Police & Fire
UPDATE: Pedestrian Struck, Killed On Garden State Parkway Was Missing Rockland Teen UPDATE: Pedestrian Struck, Killed On Garden State Parkway Was Missing Rockland Teen
Update: Pedestrian Struck, Killed On Garden State Parkway Was Missing Rockland Teen A missing Rockland County girl died when she was struck on the Garden State Parkway by two vehicles -- one of which kept going -- just before dawn Thursday, authorities said. The 14-year-old victim from Chestnut Ridge was pronounced dead on the darkened southbound highway near Exit 171 south of the James Gandolfini Service Area in Montvale shortly after 5 a.m. Nov. 16, they said. An unknown vehicle hit the girl first and kept going, New Jersey State Police Trooper Troy McNair said. A Chevy Tahoe traveling behind that vehicle then hit her, as well, he said. The Tahoe driver "cont…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Neighbors
Inspiring Coach Sees Community Support After Shooting Inspiring Coach Sees Community Support After Shooting
Inspiring Coach Sees Community Support After Shooting The Montclair community wants to help Coach Butter. Khalid Branch a.ka. Coach Butter was shot in the foot over Mother's Day weekend. A fundraiser has been set up to assist him while he recovers. As of Friday, June 9, almost $4,500 has been raised. "Can't we give him a boost and ease his burden while he's out of commission?" Ashley Few, who organized the fundraiser, said. "I can't think of a more deserving person." Coach Butter, who has special needs and earned his associates degree from Essex County College, works at the Geyer YMCA, where he is known for having the kindest and gentlest sou…

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by Sam Barron
News
MURDER SUICIDE: Connecticut Mom Intentionally Drove Son With Special Needs Into Lake, PD Says MURDER SUICIDE: Connecticut Mom Intentionally Drove Son With Special Needs Into Lake, PD Says
Murder Suicide: Connecticut Mom Intentionally Drove Son With Special Needs Into Lake, PD Says A crash in which a Connecticut mom intentionally drove her son with special needs into Connecticut lake last summer has been ruled a murder-suicide, authorities said following a lengthy investigation. Connie Crowell, 54, of Monroe, was behind the wheel of an SUV, with her 22-year-old son John Crowell in the passenger's seat, when she steered the vehicle into the Housatonic River in Seymour on July 31, 2020. A nearby boater trying to rescue the Crowells said the driver refused to acknowledge or accept the boater's assistance and rescue efforts, Seymour Deputy Police Chief Robe…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
'Where's The Compassion?' NJ Boy With Autism Kicked Out Of Church During Sister's Baptism 'Where's The Compassion?' NJ Boy With Autism Kicked Out Of Church During Sister's Baptism
'Where's The Compassion?' NJ Boy With Autism Kicked Out Of Church During Sister's Baptism A Union County mom says her son who has autism was kicked out of church by the priest during her daughter's baptism. Nicky, 7, was playing with a ball during his sister Sofia's baptism at Christ the King Church Saturday in Hillside, Julia Vicidomini said on Facebook. The service was private, for family only, which Vicidomini said made her feel more comfortable as Nicky -- who is non-verbal -- doesn't do well during long mass services. "Yes, he was playing with a toy where he should not have been, however, the way the priest kicked him out of the church was completely rude and disrespectful…

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by Cecilia Levine
Obituaries
Linden Man With Special Needs, 26, Dies In Apartment Fire Linden Man With Special Needs, 26, Dies In Apartment Fire
Linden Man With Special Needs, 26, Dies In Apartment Fire A Linden man was killed in a two-alarm blaze that broke out at his apartment, authorities said. Cyril Spinks, 26, was inside of his second-floor McCandless Street apartment when the fire broke out around 8 p.m. Monday, authorities said. Affectionately known as "Chewy," Spinks -- formerly of Elizabeth -- had special needs and was being remembered as an "amazing soul." The 1400 block building's second floor was fully-engulfed in flames when firefighters and law enforcement officers arrived, Linden police said. Firefighters from Linden, Elizabeth, Rahway, Roselle Park, and Garwood battled th…

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by Cecilia Levine