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'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Father Dies In Fiery NJ Turnpike Crash

A Pennsylvania family was mourning the death of a father and Hudson Valley native who was killed on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Colin Mahon, 40, of Newtown Square, PA, died in a crash on October 8, 2024.

Colin Mahon, 40, of Newtown Square, PA, died in a crash on October 8, 2024.

Photo Credit: GoFundMe
The New Jersey Turnpike from the Brick Yard Road overpass in Cranbury, NJ.

The New Jersey Turnpike from the Brick Yard Road overpass in Cranbury, NJ.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons - Famartin

Colin Mahon of Newtown Square, PA, died in a chain-reaction crash in Cranbury, NJ, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, a New Jersey State Police spokesperson said. The father of three children was 40 years old, according to his obituary from Donohue Funeral Homes.

A GoFundMe page in Mahon's memory had raised more than $118,900 from at least 326 donations as of Monday, Oct. 14.

"Colin was a beacon of positivity and strength, touching the lives of everyone around him," the GoFundMe page said. "His infectious spirit and unwavering support will be profoundly missed by all who knew him."

Troopers responded to the crash at milepost 69 on the northbound inner highway at around 6:49 a.m. Investigators said a Volkswagen Golf driven by Mahon was stopped in the left lane when a Cadillac Escalade crashed into his car.

The impact caused the Volkswagen to hit the back of a Ford F-150 in the left lane and a Hyundai Sonata in the center lane. The Volkswagen caught fire during the crash and Mahon was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Ford crashed into the center concrete barrier in the collision. The Ford and Cadillac drivers suffered minor injuries.

Mahon's obituary said he was born in Kingston, NY, on Sunday, Feb. 12, 1984. He grew up in Rhinebeck, NY, and played on the Villanova University men's golf team between 2002 and 2006.

"The entire Villanova community shares in the grief and extends its prayers and thoughts to Colin's family and friends," the Wildcats said in a news release.

A visitation will be held for Mahon at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on East Lancaster Ave in Villanova, PA, from 9-10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16. A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m.

The crash remained under investigation.

You can click here to see the GoFundMe page for Colin Mahon.

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