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Christmas Fire Steals 45+ Years Of Memories From Ridgefield Park Couple
A Ridgefield Park family is grappling with unimaginable loss after a three-alarm fire destroyed their home of more than 45 years on Christmas morning, Wednesday, Dec. 25.
Donovan and Terry Blades narrowly escaped the flames that engulfed their house on Emerson Street, leaving them with nothing but the pajamas they were wearing, according to a GoFundMe launched by their son, Aaron Blades.
The fire, which broke out around 11 a.m., quickly spread, leaving their home uninhabitable and claiming all their belongings, including cherished family keepsakes. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but…
Newlywed Little Falls Officer Gets Special Hospital Sendoff After Harrowing Crash (Video)
The Little Falls Police Department has shared heartfelt footage of Officer Antonio Piedrabuena being discharged from The Valley Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 21, following a harrowing accident just days earlier.
Piedrabuena, a newlywed, experienced a medical emergency on Thursday, Dec. 19, while driving his marked police vehicle. The episode caused the car to accelerate uncontrollably, reaching speeds of 102 miles per hour, the department said. The officer veered over the double-yellow lines, hit a curb and utility pole, and then crashed into Schumacher Chevrolet on Main Street near Union Avenu…
Ramsey Mom, Oakland Educator Jennifer Paradiso Dies, 44: 'Always Saw The Best In People'
Support is on the rise for the family of Jennifer Paradiso, 44, a Bergen County wife, mother of three, and longtime educator, who died on Thursday, Dec. 12.
“Jenn was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who always saw the best in people,” reads a GoFundMe page that had raised more than $22,800 as of press time.
Jenn battled cancer twice, once in 2015 and again in early 2023.
"Where most would have faltered or given up, she courageously continued her fight never once missing a beat," the campaign, launched by her family, continues.
Jenn was born and ra…
NJ Mom Dies After Childbirth Complications, Leaving Behind HS Sweetheart Husband, 2 Children
A young mother from New Jersey has tragically passed away following complications from childbirth, leaving behind her husband and two children, including a newborn son.
Britany Cano died on Nov. 24, 2024, just days after welcoming her son, Mateo, into the world. She is survived by her husband, Elvis, their newborn son, and their daughter, Leia, according to a GoFundMe launched for the family by Meghan Damico.
Britany, remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and friend, had been thrilled to grow her family with Elvis, her high school sweetheart. Tragically, though, Britany developed …
Jake Mocko's Legacy: Morris County Mourns Loss Of Compassionate Young Leader
A Morris County community is mourning the loss of Jake Peter Mocko, a 20-year-old who passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 20, 2024, surrounded by family, his obituary on the Madison Memorial Home website says.
Jake, a Madison resident and digital design student, courageously battled Grade IV astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive central nervous system cancer, for three and a half years.
Jake worked at the front desk at the Madison YMCA, where he decided to start a dual language subscription so that he could learn to speak Spanish fluently, his obituary continues. Jake wanted to be able to h…
NJ University Sorority Rallies Around Sister Battling Cancer With Fierce Support
Kayla Davis knew almost immediately that she wanted to join AEPhi at Rowan University. The sisters were warm and welcoming, and their tight-knit bond stood out to her, she said.
“I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” said Davis, 20, a Little Egg Harbor native and junior exercise science major.
Now, as Davis faces an unimaginable challenge—a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer—her sorority sisters are returning the kindness she brought to their sisterhood, rallying around her with unwavering support.
As of Friday, Nov. 15, just five days after diagnosis, more than $12,000 had be…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.
Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.
Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Mom, Bergen County Kindergarten Teacher Nina Gumbman Dies, 32
Antonina "Nina" Gumbman (nee Cutrona) died on Wednesday, Oct. 30. She was 32 years old.
Nina was raised in Lodi and settled down in Hawthorne, where she lived with her husband, Keith, and their son, Nicholas, 3, according to her obituary on the Aloia Funeral Home website.
Nina worked as a Kindergarten teacher for 10 years, most recently in Elmwood Park at the 16 Avenue School.
A GoFundMe for Nina's husband and son had raised more than $20,000 as of Monday, Nov. 4.
"For over 10 years, Nina dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring countless students with her kindness, patience, and pass…
Four Arrested In NJ Detective's Home Invasion Killing: 'Significant Step Toward Justice'
Four people have been charged for their roles in a violent home invasion that left a Cumberland County detective dead, authorities announced.
Nyshawn Mutcherson, 29, of Vineland; Jarred Brown, 31, of Bridgeton; and Richard Hawkins Willis, 32, of Gloucester City, were each charged with first-degree murder, the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release on Monday, Oct. 28. Cyndia Pimentel, 38, of Paulsboro, was also facing charges in the case.
Sgt. Monica Mosley, a detective sergeant with the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, was shot and killed in her Brid…
Nutley Wrestling Community Embraces High School Grappler After Dad Marc DellaVolpe's Death
Nutley's wrestling community is mourning the loss of Marc DellaVolpe, who is being widely remembered as one of the most passionate, supportive, and knowledgeable parents on the sidelines.
DellaVolpe, 47, of Nutley, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 17.
"He was very supportive of his son, Louis, and traveled all over the place [for his matches]," said 10-year Nutley youth wrestling coach Michael Blanchard.
Blanchard's son is the same year as DellaVolpe's son, Louis, and the two have been wrestling together since first or second grade. They both just started as freshmen at Nutley High Scho…
Clifton Mourns Losses Of Student, Principal Days Apart
Clifton is mourning the losses of a student and a school principal just days apart.
Juel Martinez, a Clifton High School student, died on Sunday, Oct. 6 after a nearly-year-long battle with cancer, a GoFundMe campaign launched for his family says. He was 15 years old.
On Monday, Oct. 7, School Two lost its dear principal Jennifer Lucas, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Her cause of death was not made public.
The campaign launched for Juel says he was "full of humor and didn't let the sudden cancer destroy his spirits, always fighting hard for his family."
As of press time, more than…
New Details Released In Grisly Kitchen Floor Murder Of NJ Wife Seeking Divorce
New details are coming to light in the murder of a 40-year-old New Jersey mother in front of her kids, one of whom tried to save her, police papers show.
On Friday, Oct. 4, a Middlesex County Superior Court Judge ordered Wellington Leonardo, 45, jailed pending his trial in the stabbing death of his wife, Rosanna Rodriguez, on the kitchen floor of their Perth Amboy home, in front of their children, according to News12 and MyCenralJersey, and police papers obtained by Daily Voice.
Appearing over video link, Leonardo sobbed as the recording of the 911 call was played, News12 says. In the recor…
Philly Man, Two Brothers Indicted In Woman's Killing In Atlantic City: Prosecutors
Three Philadelphia men were indicted after two women were shot in the head in Atlantic City, including one who died, authorities said.
A grand jury indicted 34-year-old Gregg Page for murder, attempted murder, and several weapons charges on Wednesday, Oct. 2, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release. Two brothers, 30-year-old Ryan Schenck and 27-year-old Ramir Schenck, were also indicted for hindering apprehension.
Atlantic City police responded to a report of two women severely injured on North Main Avenue at around 4:41 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. Officers found the vi…
NJ Wrestler Alan Vera Garcia, 33, Dies Weeks After Going Into Cardiac Arrest Playing Soccer
Alan Vera Garcia, a professional New Jersey wrestler, died on Monday, Sept. 23, weeks after going into cardiac arrest while playing soccer, according to multiple news reports. He was 33 years old.
Our dear friend and teammate, Alan Vera, recently suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing soccer. He is currently... Posted by USA Wrestling on Monday, August 5, 2024
Garcia, of Guttenberg, was born in Cuba and the first Cuban wrestler to win a national championship in the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling, his obituary on the Barquin Funeral Home site reads.
His obituar…
NJ Mom Rallying For Jailed Son, 35, After Police Uncover Cache Of Illegal Weapons
A Passaic County woman has launched a fundraiser in an effort to help her son who remains jailed after authorities uncovered his massive stash of firearms, high-capacity magazines, and other illegal items last week.
Cheryl Arena's GoFundMe for Kyle Arena, of Totowa, had raised more than $14,000 as of Sunday night, Sept. 29. Arena explains on the campaign that her 35-year-old son was "pinched" after a disgruntled Facebook user filed a complaint against him, prompting authorities to search the house he lives in with his parents, as previously reported by Daily Voice.
Cheryl Arena called it "a…
Former Fire Chief Indicted In Crash That Killed Teen Girl: Bergen County Prosecutor
The 61-year-old man and former chief of a local fire department has been indicted in a crash that left a 15-year-old girl dead, authorities in Bergen County said.
Timothy Moots, formerly a longtime member of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, was operating the Chevrolet Silverado when he struck and killed Serenity Law, 15, of Ridgefield, who was on an electric scooter just before 7:40 p.m. Sunday, April 14, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.
On Monday, Sept. 23, Musella said that Moots "made misleading statements to law enforcement in an attempt to minimize his involvement…
College Student Raises $102K After Crash That Killed Bergen County Parents, Teen Sister
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Max Dryerman said his final goodbyes to his parents and his younger sister.
The college student from Woodcliff Lake lost his entire immediate family in a crash on the Garden State Parkway over the weekend. A joint funeral service was held for David and Michele Dryerman, both 54, and Brooke Dryerman, 17, Tuesday morning at Temple Emanuel of Pascack Valley. A burial service followed at Sharon Gardens on Lakeview Avenue, in Valhalla, NY.
Max, whose LinkedIn shows he's studying engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, launched a GoFundMe page to help put himself t…