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College Student From NJ Dies Week Before 20th Birthday As Organ Donor
Sophia Lynn Donath, a college student from Jersey City, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 20 — just one week shy of her 20th birthday, according to her obituary on the Magliaccio Funeral Home website.
Now, more than $10,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe to establish a performing arts scholarship in her memory. A 2024 High Tech High School graduate, she was studying musical theater at the University of Miami while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, according to her obituary.
In her final act of kindness, Sophia became an organ donor, "giving others the gift of life," the GoFundM…
NJ Graphic Designer Dies After Brain Cancer Battle, 37
Lauren Hope Vigilante, of Middletown, died on Monday, June 15, after battling brain cancer, at 37 years old.
A GoFundMe set up to support her last November detailed her harrowing diagnosis.
"Two years ago, Lauren was living in New York City, working as a talented graphic designer, chasing her dreams, living life on her terms," her brother Robert wrote. "Now, she’s back home with our parents who care for her every moment. She can’t walk, talk, or move. The vibrant, independent woman we love is trapped in a body that won’t cooperate and it breaks our hearts every day."
The fundraiser was mea…
Dad, Bergen County HS Coach Bruce Laughton Dies At 54
Bruce D. Laughton, a Bergen County dad, high school coach, and longtime Ramapo College employee, died peacefully, surrounded by family on June 11, according to his obituary from Becker Funeral Home. He was 54 years old.
Laughton grew up in Park Ridge and later raised his children, Elena and Colby, in Westwood. He coached several of their youth sports teams and spent years coaching high school athletics at Park Ridge High School and Paterson Arts & Sciences Charter School, according to his obituary. He continued supporting his children throughout high school and college, attending ne…
Bereaved Family Mourns 23-Year-Old Killed By NJ Rip Current
A Forked River man who died after being caught in a rip current off Long Beach Island is being remembered for his kindness, laughter, and generous spirit.
David Maldonado-Ocelotl, 28, was swimming with friends off East 21st Street in Ship Bottom when four people were caught in a rip current at approximately 2:28 p.m. on Friday, June 5, according to the Ship Bottom Police Department. He was found in the water, unconscious and not breathing, and pronounced dead at the hospital.
A GoFundMe organized by Ruby Ramirez for the Ocelotl family had raised nearly $17,000 as of Tuesday, June 9.
"David…
Death Of Bergen County's DJ Pumma Spreads Heartbreak Through NY/NJ Music Scene
The New York and New Jersey music scene is mourning the death of Sehui Won, better known as DJ Pumma, following a battle with cancer. She was 45 years old.
Won, a Fort Lee resident originally from South Korea, died peacefully May 14 surrounded by loved ones, according to a tribute shared on her obituary page.
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“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Sehee,” her family wrote. “She was a kind and caring person who touched many lives with her warmth, strength, and ge…
'Fantastic Son': Services Set For NJ Student, Aspiring Engineer, Struck, Killed By BMW
Jackson Mueller, who was struck and killed by a BMW driven by another juvenile in Brick on Monday morning, May 19, is being remembered as a beloved son and brother, according to his obituary from the O'Brien Funeral Home website.
An honors student who was set to complete his freshman year at Brick Memorial High School, Mueller was set to attend MATES, a specialized STEM school in the fall, his obituary reads. An aspiring engineer, Mueller was an officer in the National Junior Honor Society and the treasurer for student council at Veterans Memorial Middle School, according to his obituary.
A…
Wayne Mom, Popular Hair Stylist Kelly Hannigan Dies, 57
Kelly Ann Hannigan, a Wayne hairstylist, business owner, and devoted mother, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, May 17, according to her obituary published by Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home. She was 57 years old.
Born in New York City, Hannigan moved to Elmwood Park with her family in 1970 and later raised her sons in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, her obituary reads. After graduating from Paramus Catholic High School in 1987, she pursued cosmetology and eventually worked at Hans Maxem’s Salon in Westwood before opening Hair Trendz with her sister Terry in …
NJ High School Track Runner Dies, 18
Mekkai "Kai" Fontus, a junior at High Point Regional High School in Sussex, died on Saturday, May 16 at 18 years old.
An avid gamer, weightlifter, and skateboarder, Mekkai was raised in Newton before moving to Montague in 2021, his obituary reads. As a sophomore, he ran the 100-meter dash in 11.95 seconds and had a pasion for anime, Beyblades, Pokemon and cars.
A GoFundMe launched for Mekkai's foster family had raised more than $15,000 as of press time.
"Mekkai was a young man who meant so much to so many people in our community," it reads. "His passing has left his family, friends, a…
