HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – Two days after a three-vehicle crash claimed the life of a mother from Hackettstown, a GoFundMe was started to help her family.
The crash happened on Nov. 22, at around 3:18 p.m., at the intersection of County Route 517 and Ridge Road in Allamuchy Township, according to New Jersey State Police spokesperson Detective Jeffrey Lebron.
A preliminary police investigation revealed that a Jeep Wrangler was traveling east on Ridge Road and a Jeep SUV, driven by Lauren M. Gerhold, 33, was traveling north on County Route 517 and a Ford Pickup was traveling south on CR 517.
At the intersection, the Jeep Wrangler impacted the Ford on the passenger side and the Ford was then re-directed and impacted the Jeep SUV on the driver’s side, Lebron said.
As a result of this crash, the driver of the Jeep Wrangler and driver of the Ford suffered serious bodily injuries and were flown to an area hospital. Gerhold suffered fatal injuries, Lebron said.
The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said.
Taylor Gaccione created the GoFundMe page and said Lauren leaves behind her husband, Casey, and two young boys ages 1 and 4.
“This tragedy will leave a long-standing financial burden on the family as Casey navigates how to raise their boys as a single father. Please consider contributing to the boy’s immediate future as they connect with resources such as therapy, etc. All contributions will be put towards expenses to help the boys handle this loss as well as the potential loss of income as Casey continues to make his boys a top priority, putting their needs first,” Gaccione said in the post.
The GoFundMe has set a goal of $100,000 and as of Saturday morning, it has raised more than $42,000. If you would like to donate, click here.
The Hackettstown First Aid and Rescue Squad is collecting donations in the form of clothing in sizes 2T and 4T, toys, and monetary donations to help set up a college fund for the two boys.
Any donations can be dropped off to the Hackettstown First Aid and Rescue Squad building, located at 123 Maple Ave, Monday-Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They will be collecting donations until Dec. 23.
If you are a business who would like to make a donation or have any questions, email 78rescuecapt@gmail.com.
