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A spokesperson for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that Amani Gilliam, 25, of Freehold, was the woman who died in a crash in Manalapan on Thursday, Apr. 25. It happened near the intersection of Route 9 and Ryan Road just before 4:30 a.m.
Manalapan police found a 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Gilliam and a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by an unidentified man. Gilliam was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Gilliam enjoyed posting video blogs for makeup and hair tutorials. Her June 2019 video about easy flat iron curls received more than 117,000 views on YouTube.
Her husband posted a tribute on Facebook, calling Gilliam a caring and loving woman.
"Your energy was unmatched," he wrote. "You were so courageous yet so gentle. So daring yet charming. Just a real honor to have been able to know and love on you."
More loved ones of Gilliam also mourned her death.
"R.I.P My beautiful butterfly," one person wrote. "I love you 5ever this one hurt, hurt! You were fearless, smart, funny, outgoing, and the best mom. Gone too soon."
"Her kindness, her sas, her gentleness," another Facebook post said. "She was just a well-rounded, independent human being and someone I was so honored to call my friend. I love you infinitely 🩶🕊️ until we meet again."
Gilliam was also a former dancer at Shoreline Dance Academy in Neptune City.
"Our heart is broken to hear the news of the loss of one of our Shoreline students from years ago," the dance studio posted on Facebook. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Amani Gilliam. Her smile will forever light up our school and hearts."
Gilliam's family held a balloon release for her on the Asbury Park boardwalk on Sunday, Apr. 28. They released red, pink, and white balloons into the sky in her memory.
According to Gilliam's obituary, a viewing will be held for her at James Hunt Funeral Home in Asbury Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. Her funeral will also be at the Ridge Avenue funeral home at 11 a.m.
The Jeep driver in the crash stayed at the scene and was brought to a hospital with minor injuries. No charges or summonses have been issued in the crash as of Wednesday, May 1.
Anyone with information about the crash should call the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or the Manalapan Police Department at 732-446-4300.
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