49°
Matthew Dickinson died on Thursday, Aug. 8, according to the Palmyra School District. He was 15 years old.
Dickinson was hit by a River Line train at the Chestnut Street crossing just before 8:20 a.m., a NJ Transit spokesperson said. He was walking to a soccer scrimmage, FOX 29 News reported.
A candlelight vigil was held for Dickinson at Palmyra High School on Sunday, Aug. 11.
"Matthew was a great brother, a great teammate, and a great classmate," vice principal Bill Devlin said to FOX 29 News. "Everything that he did, he did it with a smile on his face."
The school district has helped distribute red bows across the borough to honor Dickinson. The "Palmyra Red" ribbons can also be seen in neighboring Cinnaminson and Riverton.
A GoFundMe page for the teen's family had raised more than $32,300 from at least 407 donations as of Tuesday, Aug. 13.
"The outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community has been nothing short of amazing," his family said in a statement on the GoFundMe page.
Dickinson was a few weeks away from starting his sophomore year, according to his obituary from Weber Funeral Home. He loved playing soccer and baseball, wearing his favorite number 5.
He was also emerging as a talented wrestler for the Panthers.
"Matthew always stood out on any field or mat because when he was competing, he always played “bigger than himself” with an extra level of intensity and a non-quitting spirit!" his obituary said.
Outside of sports, Dickinson was remembered for his strong sense of humor despite seeming quiet and stoic at times.
"Simple answers were never enough for him, and his inquisitive mind led him to want to know and understand the world around him," his obituary said.
Dickinson had also recovered from an autoimmune disorder that hurt his motor skills, forcing him to re-learn how to eat and walk.
"Matthew never backed away from any challenge, he rose to every occasion with an envious level of confidence," his obituary said.
Dickinson's family also asked for donations to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which helped him recover from his autoimmune disorder.
The teen was also remembered for enjoying family vacations on Long Beach Island. He liked crabbing along the Jersey Shore and throwing a Hawaiian-style fishing net off piers.
Palmyra's parent-teacher association planned to have a final red bow pickup on Tuesday, Aug. 13. They'll be distributed from 6 to 7 p.m. in the high school parking lot at the corner of Fourth Street and Delaware Avenue.
A memorial visitation was also scheduled for Tuesday. It'll be at Sacred Heart Church in Riverton from 5 to 8 p.m.
Dickinson's funeral will also be held at the church at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Another visitation will happen before the funeral Mass from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.
Police and emergency officials said parking was expected to be limited around the church for Dickinson's funeral. Fourth Street will be closed between Linden and Thomas avenues, and officers will be directing traffic.
You can click here to see the GoFundMe page for Matthew Dickinson.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wenonah-Woodbury Heights and receive free news updates.
