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Monday, mar 3
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GoFundMe
Obituaries
Freak Sledding Accident Kills Young Mother
A fun day in the snow turned into tragedy for a young Virginia family when a 26-year-old mother was killed in a freak sledding accident, leaving behind her husband and infant daughter, just as they were set to begin a new life, loved ones said. Madelyn Nancy Lowe-Perdue, 26, of Chesapeake, suffered severe injuries in the accident on Thursday, Feb. 20, and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support her family. "As many have heard or seen by now, there was a sledding accident," they said. "Many of our loved ones were hurt or in…
News
ICU Nurse Held Hostage, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting
A heroic ICU nurse who was held at gunpoint, forced to restrain a colleague, and used as a shield during the UPMC York hospital shooting is now struggling to heal from the trauma. A GoFundMe has been launched to support Tosha Trostle, who says the psychological scars run deeper than any physical wound. “I Was Used As A Human Shield” Tosha Trostle was drawing blood when she heard a commotion in the hallway of UPMC York’s ICU. Thinking it was a routine emergency, she stepped out—only to come face-to-face with the gunman holding her coworker, Jess, at gunpoint. “He made Jess zip-tie my …
News
ICU Nurse Shot, Forced To Restrain Colleague During Hospital Shooting
A 19-year-old nurse was shot in both legs, brutally beaten, and forced to restrain a coworker during the UPMC York shooting—and now, she’s facing a grueling recovery with no clear financial support. A GoFundMe has been launched to help Jackxtyn Yank, whose injuries left her unable to walk. “Please Don’t Kill Me” Jackxtyn Yank had just returned to work after celebrating her 19th birthday when the gunman stormed her ICU floor. Peeking out to see the commotion, she was spotted, dragged into the hall, and beaten with a gun before being forced to zip-tie a coworker’s hands together. “I begged hi…
News
'I Just Want My Jess Back' ICU Nurse Held Hostage In
Upmc
Memorial Shooting Fights To Heal
The York County community is rallying behind Jessica Huff, an ICU nurse who survived the UPMC Memorial shooting after being zip-tied, dragged by her hair, and used as a human shield. Her fiancé, Jason Huff, shared her harrowing ordeal in an emotional Facebook post, revealing that the gunman forced her to the ground, stood on her back, and pulled the trigger against her head three times—only to hear an empty click. “She broke her zip ties and ran,” Jason wrote. “I just want my Jess back.” Related: Final Farewell: Funeral, Memorial Fund Set For Slain Officer Andrew Duarte "No One S…
Obituaries
Community Rallies For 3 Young Mass Women Found Dead In Belize; Families Question Official Story
Hundreds of people turned out for a memorial service for three Massachusetts women who were found dead in a beachfront resort over the weekend in the Central American nation of Belize. The women — Wafae El Arar, Imane Mallah, and Kaoutar Naqqad — are all from Revere, in their mid-20s, and of Moroccan descent. They had flown to what was supposed to be a vacation paradise to celebrate Wafae’s 26th birthday but were found dead on Saturday, Feb. 22, according to Boston 25. As news spread of their deaths, Revere, the Moroccan community, and strangers from around the globe offered words of sympat…
Police & Fire
Slain Virginia Beach Officer Is NJ Native: Remembering Christopher Reese
One of two Virginia Beach officers killed during a routine traffic stop on Friday, Feb. 21, has been identified as a South Jersey native. Officer Christopher Reese, 30, and Officer Cameron Girvin, 25, were riding double-assigned to a midnight shift traffic car when they attempted to stop a Hyundai with an expired plate at 11:27 p.m., Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said at a news conference Saturday. The driver, later identified as John McCoy III — whom Neudigate vowed to only name once — refused to yield, leading officers to a dead-end street, where the vehicle finally came…
Police & Fire
NJ Teen Beat Victims Dead To Stop Them From Calling 911, New Details Show
More chilling details have emerged in a double homicide in Rockland County, where the 19-year-old suspect posted a wholesome TikTok video before allegedly beating two victims to death to stop them from calling for help, police said. Alan "Alina" Abad of Westwood, NJ is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Evelyn Aguilar-Agustin and Anabelly Aguilar, whose bodies were discovered inside a Gesner Drive residence in Spring Valley around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, according to the Spring Valley Police Department. According to a criminal complaint, Abad allegedly beat both vict…
News
Girl, 11, Dies By Suicide After School Bullies Say ICE Will Deport Her Family: Reports
An 11-year-old Texas girl has died by suicide after classmates bullied her for being Hispanic and threatened to have ICE agents deport her family, according to reports. Jocelynn Rojo Carranza of Gainesville, TX, died on Saturday, Feb. 8, five days after she was rushed to a hospital, Univision 23 reported. She was a student at Gainesville Intermediate School, about an hour north of Dallas. Her mother Marbella Carranza told Univision that students repeatedly taunted her daughter, saying her family would be deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "I waited a whole week for a mi…
News
PA Inmate Dies After Killing NJ Mom In Front Of Kids On Christmas Day
An inmate serving time for the brutal Christmas morning murder of a Philadelphia woman has died in a Pennsylvania state prison, officials announced on Friday, Feb. 7. Josue Quino, 38, was found unresponsive in his cell at the State Correctional Institution at Somerset on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2025, according to Superintendent Kenneth Hollibaugh. Prison staff and EMS attempted life-saving measures, but Quino was pronounced dead at 11:21 p.m., authorities said. Quino had been serving a 20-to-40-year sentence for third-degree murder in connection to the fatal stabbing of 35-year-old Juana Us-Perez…
Obituaries
Death Of NJ Mom Shines Light On Postpartum Depression
The devastating loss of a young New Jersey mother of two has left her family not only grieving but also determined to shed light on the silent battle she faced with postpartum anxiety and depression. Jennifer Panek was found dead in a Middlesex park on Saturday, Feb. 8, just over 24 hours after she'd been reported missing, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Jennifer, who gave birth to her second child in August 2024, had been struggling with postpartum depression, her sister-in-law, Angelique Panek Martinez, wrote in a GoFundMe campaign. In the wake of her tragic passing, loved on…
Police & Fire
NJ Family Loses Everything In House Fire
A Flemington family of five is reeling after a fire destroyed their home on Saturday, Feb. 8. This morning at 1133 Hours, the Rescue Squad was dispatched with Flemington Volunteer Fire Department and mutual aid... Posted by Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad on Saturday, February 8, 2025 While the family escaped safely, with one child sustaining minor injuries, the blaze left them with nothing but the clothes on their backs, according to a GoFundMe campaign by Fatima Ledesma. The Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad responded to the fire at 11:33 a.m…
News
Philadelphia Plane Crash Leaves Resident Homeless, GoFundMe Launched
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia displaced countless residents, including Cornelius “CJ” Fannin, who lost his home and all of his belongings in the tragedy. CJ’s Story: Starting Over After Losing Everything CJ had just finished work when he learned the devastating news—his home had been destroyed in the fiery plane crash that claimed multiple lives and impacted 343 homes in the neighborhood. “As a single male with no family or support in the area, I find myself completely lost and homeless,” CJ shared on his GoFundMe campaign. “Everything I built over the years…
News
Mom Of Three ID'd As Second Patient In Critical Condition After Philadelphia Plane Crash
A mother of three critically injured in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia has been identified as Dominique Goods-Burke, her family said. Dominique, a Day Bake Supervisor at High Point Cafe, was with her family at Macy’s in Roosevelt Mall on Friday, Jan. 31, when the medical jet crashed into the area, causing her car to catch fire. Fighting To Recover Dominique remains in critical condition but is responding well to treatment, her family said. Her recovery is expected to be long and challenging. Her employer, High Point Cafe, shared their support for Dominique…
News
9-Year-Old Burned On 90% Of His Body After Philadelphia Plane Crash
Ramesses Dreuitt, the 9-year-old son of Steven Dreuitt, who was killed in the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia, is fighting for his life after suffering burns on 90% of his body, family members said. Critical Injuries And Coma Ramesses was in the car with his father on the 2300 block of Cottman Avenue when the medical jet crashed and exploded on Friday, Jan. 31. While Steven was tragically killed, Ramesses survived but sustained severe burns across his body. Facebook/Steven Dreuitt He remains in a medically induced coma and faces a long and painful road to recovery…
News
Philadelphia Plane Crash Impacted 343 Homes With 20 Damaged, Destroyed
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia caused extensive damage to the surrounding neighborhood, displacing families and leaving a trail of destruction. Extent Of Damage Officials confirmed that the crash on Friday, Jan. 31 had a wide-reaching impact on the Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard area: 4 homes were destroyed 6 homes sustained major damage 11 homes suffered minor damage 343 homes were impacted In addition to the structural damage, numerous vehicles were destroyed, and debris scattered throughout the area caused further property loss. NTSBgov…
News
‘Daddy, Did I Save My Sister?’ Young Philadelphia Plane Crash Survivor Says After Brain Surgery
A 10-year-old boy critically injured when debris from the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crash in Northeast Philadelphia struck his family’s car is awake and asking about his 4-year-old sister, his family said. Andre Howard III Severely Injured In Crash Andre Howard III was inside a car with his family near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard when the Learjet 55 exploded upon impact after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday, Jan. 31. A piece of debris from the fiery wreckage smashed through the windshield, piercing Andre’s head as he tried to shield his little sister. He…
News
One Mystery Remains: 67 Recovered From Potomac River Plane Crash, Final Victim Unidentified
Nearly a week after a devastating mid-air collision over the Potomac River, recovery teams have identified 66 of the 67 victims killed in the tragedy. Among those lost were rising young ice skaters, nationally recognized coaches, and a group of Maryland hunters—each leaving behind shattered families and communities. The NTSB, in coordination with the U.S. Navy Supervisor of Salvage, recovering wreckage of the Bombardier CRJ700 on Feb. 3. NTSB But as of Tuesday night, Feb. 4, authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the final victim. “This effort was made possible through the…
Obituaries
Toms River Mom Of 5, Model Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle: Remembering Tina Vasile
Tina Vasile, a mother of five from Toms River, passed away on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer, according to her obituary on the Ocean County Cremation Service website. She was 45 years old. Born in Lakewood, Tina was known for her love of life, glamorous style, and deep devotion to her children, her obituary reads. A former model and actress, Tina had a passion for fashion, makeup, and music, never turning down an opportunity for a concert or a night out. Tina Vasile Tina Vasile Facebook photo Tina Vasile Tina Vasile Faceb…
Obituaries
Former Beauty Queen, Civil Rights Attorney Killed In DC Plane Crash: Remembering Kiah Duggins
The fight for justice does not end with Kiah Duggins. Friends, family, and supporters are coming together to carry on the mission of the Harvard-trained civil rights attorney and incoming professor who was among the 67 on board the American Airlines plane that crashed over DC. "She was a radiant light, a brilliant mind, and a fierce advocate for justice," Aisha Duggin wrote in a GoFundMe campaign set up after her death. "A Harvard-trained civil rights attorney, abolitionist, and global traveler, Kiah dedicated her life to fighting for freedom, equity, and the liberation of marginalized c…
Obituaries
RWJ Barnabas Physician Tatiana Mouravskaia Dies, Remembered As Patients' Greatest Advocate
Dr. Tatiana Mouravskaia, an infectious disease doctor and internist at RWJ Barnabas, died on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 61 years old, her obituary from Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel says. Mouravskaia was devoted to her patients, working long hours, often without billing and for people with disadvantaged backgrounds, according to her obituary. "She would use every trick she learned over her 30-year career to make sure that they were able to get the care they needed in a system where few cared about their outcomes," her obituary reads. "It didn't endear her to hosp…
Police & Fire
Carteret Man Faces Manslaughter Charge In Crash That Killed Avenel Woman Leaving Parents' House
A 23-year-old Carteret man was charged on Friday, Jan. 24 with manslaughter after a fatal crash earlier this month that killed an Avenel woman, authorities said. Jair Montero-Moran was behind the wheel of the Toyota Camry that struck Cristina Flores in an Infiniti on the West Carteret Bridge on Roosevelt Avenue, just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Carteret Police Chief Theodore Nycz said. Flores was pronounced dead at the scene, while Montero-Moran sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where…
Sports
Freak Accident Leaves NJ Wrestler Allie Katch With Serious Injuries
The Internet Wrestling Community is rallying around an indie wrestler from New Jersey who suffered a gruesome injury during a Game Changer Wrestling event in Manhattan. A GoFundMe was launched in Jersey City for Alison Woodard, 30, known under her ring name Allie Katch, following an incident during a match at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Sunday, Jan. 19. Katch did a dive spot from the ring to the outside and broke two bones in her leg. The match was called off as Katch was whisked out on a stretcher. I feel the love and I am so grateful, it’s the light in this very scary and uncert…
Obituaries
NJ Town Mayor's Granddaughter Dies After Months-Long Cancer Battle: Remembering Wrenna
Sadness spread through a New Jersey community following the death of a toddler diagnosed with cancer in late 2024. Wrenna Schey — whose grandfather is Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro — died on Saturday, Jan. 11 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, according to her obituary at the Stroyan Funeral Home website. She was 2.5 years old. "She fought a tough battle and was stronger than anything I have ever seen in my life," her parents, Matt and Amanda said on a GoFundMe campaign that was started in early December, around the time Mayor Nicastro announced that his granddaughter had been diagno…
News
5-Year-Old Son Witnessed NJ Mom's Murder, Say Loved Ones Raising Domestic Violence Awareness
Lauren Saldana was many things—a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. But to those who knew her, her greatest role was that of a devoted mom who loved her four children more than anything in the world. Saldana’s life was tragically cut short on Thursday, Jan. 9, when the 38-year-old South Brunswick resident was killed in her home on Route 27 by Roman Romanovskiy, 41, according to the Middlesex County prosecutor. Her family says the loss has shattered their lives, leaving them to pick up the pieces for the four children she leaves behind, ages 19, 16, 5, and three weeks. "Lauren face…
Sports
NYU Wrestling Captain From NJ Battles Brain Cancer With Unbreakable Spirit
Benny Bautista isn’t new to tough battles. The 21-year-old captain of the NYU wrestling team and Paramus Catholic grad has spent years facing challenges on the mat. But now, Bautista, of Montvale, NJ, is up against something even tougher: Grade 3 Oligodendroglioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. Despite the diagnosis that came just after New Year's, Bautista's unwavering spirit and selflessness have not faltered. For his teammates, Bautista is more than just a leader—he’s the glue that holds them together. "When I think of altruism, I think of Benny," said Danny Lightfoot, team …
News
Exclusive
: Mom Found Dead In Fridge, Timeline Not Adding Up For Distraught Family
Laura Hughes moved to New Jersey from Virginia in 2023 with the hope of being closer to her two teen daughters. "We thought it was a new beginning," said Cornel Alston, the father of her girls. Instead, the family is left mourning Hughes' loss days after the discovery of her remains, found stuffed in a refrigerator in a wooded area of the Belleplain State Forest on Sunday, Dec. 22. The timeline around 50-year-old Hughes' death isn't adding up for Alston, who says authorities have given him little information, compounding the pain of the loss. The NJ Courts website shows that Christop…
Police & Fire
NJ Woman, 38, Among Three Dead In Upstate NY Crash: State Police
A Manahawkin woman was one of three people killed in a head-on crash in upstate New York, authorities said. Sabrina Surita, 38, died in the collision on Route 34 in Barton on Friday, Dec. 20, New York State Police said in a news release. The crash happened about 45 minutes west of Binghamton. Troopers responded to the scene at around 1:26 p.m. Police found a Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Silverado collided head-on with each other. Photos from the scene showed severe front-end damage to the SUV and pickup. Investigators said the Toyota was heading north when it crossed into the south…
Police & Fire
Ex-Con DJ Stabbed GF Dead Hours After Nightclub Proposal In Elizabeth, Prosecutor Says
Murder charges have been filed against a 52-year-old ex-convict accused of stabbing his 31-year-old girlfriend and brand-new fiance dead hours after proposing to her at a local nightclub, authorities announced. Melo proposes to Trinidad. Vdj Melo Facebook Jose Melo, 52, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and weapons offenses in the fatal stabbing of Naket "Naky" Trinidad, who was found dead at a Florida Street home on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at 9:12 a.m., according to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca, and Elizabeth Police Di…
Obituaries
'The Best Girl Dad:' Emil Lobosco Of Passaic County Dies After Cancer Battle, 58
Emil Lobosco, a cherished Pompton Lakes resident known for his infectious joy and love for life, passed away on Friday, Dec. 20, following a battle with spindle cell sarcoma. He was 58 years old. “To know Emil was to experience joy,” his obituary on the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home reads. “Always with a Dean Martin or country song being belted out in his backyard as he mowed the lawn or getting a spontaneous visit with his big smile just because he was thinking of you.” Emil’s story was one of love and devotion. He met his wife, Lisa, in high school at Passaic County Technica…
News
Matt Gaudreau's Widow Welcomes Baby After Husband, Brother Johnny Die In South Jersey Crash
The widow of Matthew Gaudreau gave birth to the couple's only child about four months after Matt and his NHL star brother Johnny Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver. Madeline Gaudreau announced the arrival of her son Tripp Matthew in an Instagram post on Sunday, Dec. 29. Her husband Matt and his brother Johnny died when they were hit while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township on Thursday, Aug. 29. The photo showed Madeline holding the newborn’s tiny hand next to a wooden sign reading "He's here." "Tripp Matthew 🤍🦋," the caption said. "Mommy & Daddy’s world." Made…
News
ER Nurse Returning From Work ID'd By Grieving Family As Victim Of Wrong-Way DUI NJ Crash
Anne Rasmussen dedicated her life to helping others, but her own was cut short when a suspected drunk driver caused a wrong-way crash on Route 70 early Friday morning, Dec. 27. Rasmussen, 58, of Whiting, was identified by her family on a GoFundMe campaign as an emergency room nurse on her way home from work when the Brick Township crash occurred, "killing her instantly." "She spent a lot of her life dedicated to helping people working as an ER nurse," Rasmussen's daughter, Kelly Kracsun wrote on the campaign. She would take the shirt off her back for absolutely anyone and would do anything …
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