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Community Support

Grieving Grandfather, Grandson Remain Critical After Deadly Perth Amboy Fire Grieving Grandfather, Grandson Remain Critical After Deadly Perth Amboy Fire
Grieving Grandfather, Grandson Remain Critical After Deadly Perth Amboy Fire A grandfather and his grandson remain in critical condition days after the house fire that killed an 11-year-old boy in Perth Amboy, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family. A GoFundMe organized by Carlos Vargas identified the child who died in the Chauncey Street blaze as the grandson of Perth Amboy resident Victor Burgos. "Our Perth Amboy community is mourning after a devastating house fire on Chauncey Street during the early morning hours of Friday," the campaign reads. "This heartbreaking tragedy claimed the life of an 11-year-old child and left multiple families…
McDaniel’s Winningest Coach Kevin Curley Dies At 54 After Cancer Battle That United Community McDaniel’s Winningest Coach Kevin Curley Dies At 54 After Cancer Battle That United Community
McDaniel’s Winningest Coach Kevin Curley Dies At 54 After Cancer Battle That United Community For months, Coach Kevin Curley’s community followed every update. The Johns Hopkins stays. The feeding tube. The chemotherapy. The hopeful return home. The prayers, donations, letters, and messages from the people he spent more than 30 years coaching, mentoring, and shaping. On Wednesday, May 27, that fight came to an end. Curley, the winningest men’s basketball coach in McDaniel College history, died at 54 after a battle with metastatic esophageal cancer, according to his obituary and a GoFundMe campaign created for his family. He was surrounded in his final hours by his wife, Alliso…
Freak Accident Sends 12-Year-Old NJ Baseball Player To ICU Freak Accident Sends 12-Year-Old NJ Baseball Player To ICU
Freak Accident Sends 12-Year-Old NJ Baseball Player To ICU A prayer vigil on Thursday, May 28 drew dozens of family members, teammates, coaches, and supporters for a 12-year-old South Jersey baseball player who remains in critical condition after a freak accident earlier this week. Xavier Taylor, who plays for Maple Shade Youth Baseball, was accidentally struck by a ball during warmups on Tuesday, May 26, and was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, according to 6abc. He remains in intensive care. Meanwhile, support for Xavier and his family continues to pour in from across South Jersey's tight-knit youth baseball community. More…
Mexican Restaurant Owners Arrested By ICE In Weekend Morris County Raid, Family Says Mexican Restaurant Owners Arrested By ICE In Weekend Morris County Raid, Family Says
Mexican Restaurant Owners Arrested By ICE In Weekend Morris County Raid, Family Says A federal immigration operation in Morris County led to the arrest of two popular restaurant owners and grandparents Saturday morning, May 23, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by loved ones. Dover residents reported heavy law enforcement activity near Park Avenue early in the day, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Local police responded to a call for an unknown problem and determined the activity involved federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to the department. Local officers were not involved in the operation.  Officials had not released…
Grief-Stricken Sister Raises $14K In Wake Of Bergen County Brother's Sudden Death Grief-Stricken Sister Raises $14K In Wake Of Bergen County Brother's Sudden Death
Grief-Stricken Sister Raises $14K In Wake Of Bergen County Brother's Sudden Death A Bergen County family is seeing an overwhelming wave of support after the sudden death of 31-year-old Justin Brennan, with more than $14,000 raised in just seven hours to help cover funeral expenses and support his young son. A GoFundMe launched by the Saddle Brook resident's sister, Kristina Brennan, had raised $14,285 as of Monday afternoon, May 18. “My brother Justin passed away suddenly, leaving us all in shock and heartbreak,” Kristina wrote on the fundraiser page. “He was the kind of person who could turn a bad day around with a joke or a late-night talk, and his laughter filled…
Morning Runner Shocked To Find Favorite NJ House Burned To Ashes Morning Runner Shocked To Find Favorite NJ House Burned To Ashes
Morning Runner Shocked To Find Favorite NJ House Burned To Ashes A Bergen County runner has started a GoFundMe for a local family after learning the smiling homeowner she passed every morning on her runs had lost his house in a devastating fire. Each day, Monica Pessanha runs from her home in Closter through Norwood, often passing the same cul-de-sac on 17th Street every morning. “Along my route, there is one cul-de-sac I always pass through, and one house in particular that has become part of my memories since moving here,” she said. Pessanha said she never personally knew homeowner Walter Malinowski, but regularly saw him outside greeting neighbors wi…
T-Ball Player, 6, Diagnosed With Leukemia: North Jersey Team Fights T-Ball Player, 6, Diagnosed With Leukemia: North Jersey Team Fights
T-Ball Player, 6, Diagnosed With Leukemia: North Jersey Team Fights A Hudson County T-ball community is rallying around a 6-year-old player who is newly diagnosed with leukemia. The West New York Little League community has started a GoFundMe that had raised more than $8,000 as of press time to support Henry Escarret and his family. Henry plays T-ball in the West New York Little League and is known throughout the league for his energy and love of the game, organizers said. “Henry is a bright, joyful, and loving child who plays T-ball in our league,” the fundraiser says. “He is known for his big smile, his excitement for baseball, and his ded…
Clifton Native Dies Month After Welcoming 'Miracle Baby' With Wife Clifton Native Dies Month After Welcoming 'Miracle Baby' With Wife
Clifton Native Dies Month After Welcoming 'Miracle Baby' With Wife Support is on the rise for a brand-new North Jersey mother who lost her husband one month after welcoming a baby together. Craig Caracozza, who lived in West Caldwell with his wife, Cindy, died unexpectedly, leaving behind Cindy and their 1-month-old daughter, Sienna, according to a GoFundMe launched by Marianna Cammarano.  “In the blink of an eye, Cindy’s world was changed forever,” Marianna wrote on Wednesday, April 29. The couple had long hoped for their daughter, calling her “their miracle,” according to the campaign, which had raised more than $22,000 as of Thursday, April 30. “…
NJ Chef, Teacher Planned To Leave Husband Before Deadly Stabbing: Affadavit NJ Chef, Teacher Planned To Leave Husband Before Deadly Stabbing: Affadavit
NJ Chef, Teacher Planned To Leave Husband Before Deadly Stabbing: Affadavit Monica Morris, a 51-year-old culinary teacher at Trenton High School, was planning to leave her husband, Jerome, before he stabbed her to death on Tuesday, April 28, according to an affidavit of probable cause obtained by Daily Voice. At 2:25 a.m., Morris' daughter called 911 and said, "he's killing my mom." Morris' daughter heard her mother yell that Jerome was trying to kill her and to call 911, according to the affidavit . After calling 911, Morris' daughter opened the door and found Jerome Morris, 50, on top of her bleeding mother with a knife in his hand, according to the aff…
One Night Freeze Kills Entire NJ Cherry Farm Crop One Night Freeze Kills Entire NJ Cherry Farm Crop
One Night Freeze Kills Entire NJ Cherry Farm Crop One unseasonably cold night was all it took to kill all of the cherries at one popular U-pick New Jersey cherry farm. Rowand’s Cherry Farm was devastated by a severe freeze in April 2026 that destroyed all of its cherries, leaving the farm without its expected yearly income, reads a GoFundMe launched by farmer Stephen Rowand. The loss means the farm now faces a year without the revenue it depends on to operate, Rowand said. Funds raised will go toward covering essential expenses, including taxes, insurance, fertilizer, irrigation, and maintaining the orchard for future seasons, Ro…
Teen Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash Was On Brink Of New Life Chapter, Cousin Says Teen Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash Was On Brink Of New Life Chapter, Cousin Says
Teen Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash Was On Brink Of New Life Chapter, Cousin Says Support is pouring in for the family of a 19-year-old New Jersey college student who was killed in a motorcycle crash last week. Michael Vasquez-Chicaiza died after a crash in Lebanon Township on Saturday, April 18, at approximately 9:20 p.m., as previously reported by Daily Voice. Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe created by his cousin Jacob Weiss is seeking support for Michael’s family as they cope with the loss and related expenses. Michael was born in Ecuador, to his parents, Edison Marcelo Vasquez and Lilian Alicia Chicaiza, according to his obituary on the Martin Funeral Home website…
Pampered Pooches Co-Owner Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Fiancée, Son Pampered Pooches Co-Owner Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Fiancée, Son
Pampered Pooches Co-Owner Dies Suddenly, Leaves Behind Fiancée, Son A North Jersey business owner died suddenly at home earlier this month, leaving behind his fiancée, young son, and a grieving family. Raul Carlos De La Cruz, 44, died on Monday, April 6, at his home in Bloomfield, according to his obituary on the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home website. De La Cruz immigrated to the United States in 1998 and lived in Kearny, North Arlington, and Lyndhurst before moving to Bloomfield about a year ago, his obituary reads. He worked for a marketing company for more than 10 years and was also his fiancée’s business partner in Pampered Pooches. A GoFun…
NJ Cop, Nurse Wife, Baby Lose Home In Fire NJ Cop, Nurse Wife, Baby Lose Home In Fire
NJ Cop, Nurse Wife, Baby Lose Home In Fire A New Jersey police officer, his wife, and young daughter were left homeless after a fast-moving fire, local police organizations said in launching a campaign for their recovery. The family lost their home within minutes as flames tore through the Howell property on Saturday, April 11. A GoFundMe has been set up by the Rahway PBA to help the family recover. “This family has always been there to help others—both in their professional roles and as caring neighbors,” the fundraiser says. “Now, they are facing an unimaginable loss and need our support more than ever.” The fire also destroyed a…
Popular Bergen County Taco Spot Sold, Closing This Month Popular Bergen County Taco Spot Sold, Closing This Month
Popular Bergen County Taco Spot Sold, Closing This Month A popular taco spot in Bergen County is closing after four years in business, according to an announcement from its owners. Uno Más will have its final day of service on Saturday, April 18, the restaurant shared in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 8. “With full hearts, we are sharing the news that we have sold Uno Más and our final day of service will be Saturday, April 18th!” the post reads. The owners, Dan and Joe Grey, thanked the community for its support since opening. “These past four years of serving this wonderful community have been nothing short of incredible, and we cannot e…
Missing Man, 25, Found Dead Along NJ River: Report Missing Man, 25, Found Dead Along NJ River: Report
Missing Man, 25, Found Dead Along NJ River: Report A 25-year-old man who had been missing for nearly a month was found dead along a river in New Jersey, NJ Advance Media reports. The body of Jose Reyes, who was reported missing on Feb. 24, was found along the Raritan River near The Edge on March 25, the outlet said citing New Brunswick police. A GoFundMe by Yudelis Nunez for Reyes' family had raised more than $12,000 as of press time. "Jose 'Bebo' Reyes was only 25 years old, but in that short time, he touched the lives of everyone around him," it reads. "He was the most loving and family-oriented person—always there for his parents, sibli…
NJ Family Grieving Teen Killed By Alleged Stalker Faces Yet Another Tragedy NJ Family Grieving Teen Killed By Alleged Stalker Faces Yet Another Tragedy
NJ Family Grieving Teen Killed By Alleged Stalker Faces Yet Another Tragedy The family of Maria Niotis, the teen girl who was allegedly killed along with Isabella Salas by a 17-year-old boy last fall, is facing yet another tragedy. Chris' Family Diner was destroyed in a fire over the weekend on South Orange Avenue in South Orange, was apparently owned by Maria's family as first reported by NJ Advance Media. A three-alarm fire in South Orange Sheena Collum Facebook The diner, Gladys Nails and Ambiance Jewelers are all closed following the blaze. A GoFundMe launched for the diner had raised more than $4,000 as of Thursday, March 19. "For 25 years,…
NJ Plummets In Rankings For Immigrant Support, New Study Shows: Here's Why NJ Plummets In Rankings For Immigrant Support, New Study Shows: Here's Why
NJ Plummets In Rankings For Immigrant Support, New Study Shows: Here's Why One Mid-Atlantic state offers the best conditions for immigrants, while others across the Northeast lag behind, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2026 list of Best States for Immigrants on Tuesday, March 4. The report evaluated all 50 states using 16 measures tied to social support, economic opportunity, and legal stability for immigrants. The study was released as outrage grows toward President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts, along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that have stoked fears among immigrants of all legal statuses. "Over 53 mi…
1-Star Reviews Flood NJ Bakery After Gov. Mikie Sherrill Visit 1-Star Reviews Flood NJ Bakery After Gov. Mikie Sherrill Visit
1-Star Reviews Flood NJ Bakery After Gov. Mikie Sherrill Visit A family-owned bakery in South Jersey is responding after receiving a wave of 1-star reviews and negative messages following a visit from Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Sherrill shared photos to social media, after stopping by Two Sweet Boutique on Hurffville Road in Deptford. Mikie Sherrill at Two Sweet Boutique. Gov. Mikie Sherrill Facebook “Loved meeting Alex and Jeanne, the owners of Two Sweet Boutique in Deptford. They even made me one of their famous – and delicious – cinnamon rolls!” Sherrill wrote. “We’re moving full speed ahead on our Saving You Time & Money agenda so that famil…
NJ 8th Grader's Sudden Death Spreads Sadness, $24K Raised For Family NJ 8th Grader's Sudden Death Spreads Sadness, $24K Raised For Family
NJ 8th Grader's Sudden Death Spreads Sadness, $24K Raised For Family A South Jersey eighth grader has died suddenly, leaving her school and community in mourning. Malani Matthews, a student at Middle Township Middle School in Cape May Court House, died early Thursday morning, Feb. 26, Superintendent of Schools Stephanie DeRose said in a letter to families dated Feb. 27.  Members of the District Crisis Intervention Team were made available to provide counseling and emotional support for students, the superintendent said. Therapy dogs were also brought on-site to comfort students and staff. Malani GoFundMe photo “We extend our deepest sympathy an…
Brazilian Church Rallies After NY Mom Killed, Teen Injured In Botched Murder-Suicide Brazilian Church Rallies After NY Mom Killed, Teen Injured In Botched Murder-Suicide
Brazilian Church Rallies After NY Mom Killed, Teen Injured In Botched Murder-Suicide An outpouring of support is growing for the family of a Long Island mother killed in a botched murder-suicide that left her estranged husband hospitalized and a teenage relative injured. Adriana Paulino Barbosa, 46, was fatally stabbed at a home on Granny Road in Farmingville around 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, as Daily Voice reported. Investigators determined her estranged husband, Marcos Marques-Leal, 57, stabbed Barbosa, injured a teenage relative inside the home, and then attempted to take his own life, according to Suffolk County Police. Marques-Leal has been charged with second-degre…
NJ Dad Of 7, Arts Leader In Coma After 'Catastrophic' Crash, Campaign Says NJ Dad Of 7, Arts Leader In Coma After 'Catastrophic' Crash, Campaign Says
NJ Dad Of 7, Arts Leader In Coma After 'Catastrophic' Crash, Campaign Says A popular Elizabeth arts leader and father of seven is in a coma following a car crash on Sunday, Feb. 15. Now, a GoFundMe has been launched by The Institute of Music in Elizabeth, where Gent serves as outreach coordinator, in an effort to aid his family. "Darryl is currently in a coma, and we are all holding our breath as we wait for signs of recovery," the campaign reads, describing the "catastrophic" crash. "For a man who ‘never stops moving’ and has spent his life advocating for others, this sudden stillness is felt deeply by everyone who knows him." Gent was born in Queens and raised …
Dad Of 4 Seized By ICE While Working, Held In NJ: 'Our World Turned Upside Down' Dad Of 4 Seized By ICE While Working, Held In NJ: 'Our World Turned Upside Down'
Dad Of 4 Seized By ICE While Working, Held In NJ: 'Our World Turned Upside Down' A Long Island cab driver’s sudden detention by federal immigration agents has left his wife and four children reeling — and scrambling to cover legal bills and basic living expenses. Xavier Piedra Cueva was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tuesday, Feb. 10, while working in Suffolk County, according to his cousin, Jacqueline Sandoval of Vermont. Cueva, a dual citizen of Ecuador and Spain, entered the United States legally over a decade ago but overstayed his visa, Sandoval told Daily Voice. She said her cousin does not have authorized work status but has no…
Community Steps Up After Fishing Boat Sinks, Search Halted With 6 Missing: 'Just Devastating' Community Steps Up After Fishing Boat Sinks, Search Halted With 6 Missing: 'Just Devastating'
Community Steps Up After Fishing Boat Sinks, Search Halted With 6 Missing: 'Just Devastating' A fishing trip out of Gloucester turned tragic Friday when the vessel Lily Jean sank about 25 miles off the coast of Massachusetts with seven people on board. Now the community is coming together to help the families who lost their loved ones.  The fishing boat went down silently on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Coast Guard located a debris field in the water, and one crewmember was later found dead. Officials suspended their search with six still missing at sea. The Coast Guard identified all seven people on board on Monday. Among them was Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo, the boat’s captain. …
NJ BBQ Joint Announces Closure: 'Running Restaurants Is Brutal Right Now' NJ BBQ Joint Announces Closure: 'Running Restaurants Is Brutal Right Now'
NJ BBQ Joint Announces Closure: 'Running Restaurants Is Brutal Right Now' Pineapple Express Barbecue has closed after five years in Montclair, the restaurant announced. The BBQ joint, which operated out of Lackawanna Station, had its last day was Saturday, Jan. 30. In a lengthy post on Instagram announcing the closure, owner Damon Walsh said "running restaurants is brutal right now." "I have been in this industry for 35 years and it has never been so challenging," Walsh said. "Costs are soaring, from the price of beef to insurance and utility rates, with tariffs, inflation, and general economic turmoil impacting small businesses the most – and we are the least eq…
'Scariest Night Of Our Lives:' Bergen County Family Seeks Aid After Midnight Fire 'Scariest Night Of Our Lives:' Bergen County Family Seeks Aid After Midnight Fire
'Scariest Night Of Our Lives:' Bergen County Family Seeks Aid After Midnight Fire A Bergen County family has launched a GoFundMe after a late-night electrical fire destroyed their home and forced a dozen residents to flee into freezing conditions overnight, authorities said Friday, Jan. 30. The Garfield Fire Department and Garfield Police Department responded to a report of an electrical fire at a home on Hartman Avenue at approximately 12:09 a.m., police said. When officers arrived, they saw heavy smoke coming from third-floor windows and entered the building to evacuate residents, police said. All residents were safely evacuated, authorities said. One of the displ…
$21K Raised For Family Of NJ Dad Killed By Falling Tree Limb $21K Raised For Family Of NJ Dad Killed By Falling Tree Limb
$21K Raised For Family Of NJ Dad Killed By Falling Tree Limb More than $21,000 has been raised for the family of a North Jersey father who was killed by a falling tree limb. William "Will" Woortman, 38, was killed while cutting a tree on Union Turnpike in Frankford on Thursday, Jan. 22, New Jersey State Police said. A GoFundMe for Wootman's wife, Dana, and their two children had raised more than $21,000 as of Monday, Jan. 26. "While Dana will have a lot of pieces to pick up and remain strong for their children, I’m hoping we can help ease the financial stress while she begins navigating this next chapter," Dana's sister Kristen Cooper writes.  …
NYPD Sergeant Put On Desk Duty After Doorman Dies In Wrong-Way Taconic Crash: Report NYPD Sergeant Put On Desk Duty After Doorman Dies In Wrong-Way Taconic Crash: Report
Nypd Sergeant Put On Desk Duty After Doorman Dies In Wrong-Way Taconic Crash: Report The family of a Westchester County man killed in a wrong-way crash on the Taconic State Parkway is receiving an outpouring of community support as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision involving an off-duty New York City police sergeant.  Peekskill's Manuel Boitel, 61, was killed late Thursday night, Jan. 22, when his vehicle was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver on the Taconic in the Town of Mount Pleasant, as Daily Voice previously reported.  Boitel was taken to Westchester Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. &…
3-Alarm Fire Destroys Kinnelon Home, Family Loses Everything 3-Alarm Fire Destroys Kinnelon Home, Family Loses Everything
3-Alarm Fire Destroys Kinnelon Home, Family Loses Everything A three-alarm fire tore through a Kinnelon home Saturday morning, Dec. 27, destroying the residence and prompting a large emergency response. The fire broke out at approximately 11:45 a.m., at a home 7 Caitlin Court. Photos from the scene showed heavy smoke billowing over the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The Riverdale Fire Department shared some photos on Facebook, saying it was called in for mutual aid as the fire escalated to a third alarm. Crews assisted with firefighting operations and remained on scene for about two hours before being released. Hours aft…
Neighborhood Pizzeria Closes After 29 Years In Bergen County Neighborhood Pizzeria Closes After 29 Years In Bergen County
Neighborhood Pizzeria Closes After 29 Years In Bergen County A longtime neighborhood staple is closing after nearly three decades in Bergen County. Lodi's Napoli Pizza owner Connie Panicucci shared the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Dec. 23. “It is breaking my heart to post this because Napoli is all I’ve known for 29 years,” Panicucci wrote of her Washington Street pizzeria. “I raised my kids there and have seen your families kids raised.” Panicucci thanked customers for the outpouring of support following the announcement and acknowledged how difficult the decision was to make. She said she made every effort to keep the business going. …
Passaic Boy Who Enlisted In Marines With Dreams Of Becoming Pilot Dies At 17 Passaic Boy Who Enlisted In Marines With Dreams Of Becoming Pilot Dies At 17
Passaic Boy Who Enlisted In Marines With Dreams Of Becoming Pilot Dies At 17 A Passaic family is grieving the loss of 17-year-old Jose David Buitrago Arbelaez, who died on Friday, Dec. 5. The cause of death was not made public. According to his obituary on the Alvarez Funeraria website, Jose was born in Bogotá, Colombia. He was an honor roll student at Passaic High School and had already enlisted in the Marine Corps with hopes of becoming a pilot, according to a GoFundMe launched by Brooke lynn Valoy.  He was remembered as a hardworking student who was known for his kindness and the support he showed to others. The GoFundMe described him as some…
Parents Killed In Deadly Plainfield Fire ID'd: Authorities Parents Killed In Deadly Plainfield Fire ID'd: Authorities
Parents Killed In Deadly Plainfield Fire ID'd: Authorities The parents of two children were killed in a deadly fire in Plainfield on Sunday, Nov. 30, authorities said. Leonel Garcia-Cortez and Maria Guaya were killed in the fire, the City of Plainfield said. They are survived by their two children, ages 17 and 11, authorities said. At 1:07 a.m., firefighters responded to 308 W. Front St. for a full structure fire, authorities said. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke from the roof and fire extending from the rear of the building, officials said. Firefighters began evacuations as a second and third alarm were tolled, requesting addit…