‘Gone Far Too Soon’: Virginia Dad Killed In Crash, Family Begs To Bring Him Home To Guatemala
A Virginia family is heartbroken after a fatal crash claimed the life of Luis Barrera — a devoted husband, father, and friend described by loved ones as “gone far too soon.”
Relatives said Barrera died following a car accident on Carrico Mills Road in Brandy Station, leaving behind his wife, Natalie, and their two young children, Julian and Kimmy.
Luis Barrera
GoFundMe
The tragedy has rippled through both Virginia and Guatemala, where Barrera’s family is now working to raise money to bring him home.
“He was a beloved father, son, and cousin — gone far too soon,” wrote Barrera’s cou…
Timonium Dad Brendan O’Connell, Lax Standout, Remembered As Devoted Father Of Two Boys
Brendan O'Connell "loved nothing more than his sons," and "had big dreams for their futures" that he will never get to see following a fatal crash.
The Timonium resident and DC native, 49, died late on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in a car crash, leaving behind his two boys and a family that is still grappling with their new future.
"Brendan's sons, Carter and Briggs, were the center of his universe," his obituary states.
"He could often be found cheering them on from the sidelines of many, many local lacrosse and football fields, and most recently, along the region's finest fairways, his bi…
Nicholas Leonor, 14, Of Somers Point Dies Due To Seizure Disorder, Family Says
Support is on the rise following the death of a 14-year-old New Jersey boy.
Nicholas M. Leonor, 14, of Somers Point, died Friday, Sept. 19, at home from a seizure disorder, according to his obituary from Wimberg Funeral Home.
A GoFundMe created by his sister Jennifer Leonor said, “On Friday, September 19th, our family’s world shattered. We lost my baby brother, Nicholas, to Epilepsy. He was only 14 years old, with his whole life ahead of him.”
“Nicholas also lovingly known as Nicky, was so much more than his condition — he was funny, loving, and full of light and so smart,” the GoFundMe sa…
Union EMT Thrown From Motorcycle, Run Over By Tractor-Trailer On I-287, Friends Say
Kemit Cotto, a veteran Emergency Medical Technician from New Jersey, is fighting through a long recovery after being severely injured in a motorcycle crash on Interstate 287, friends said.
The crash happened on Monday, Sept. 8, when a car stopped short in front of Cotto on I-287, according to a GoFundMe launched by Robert Cintron. Cotto braked to avoid hitting the car, was thrown from his motorcycle into the side of a tractor-trailer, and was then run over by the truck, the campaign says.
Records show Cotto is from Union.
He suffered a clavicle fracture, chest hematoma, open tibial fractur…
Scotch Plains Dad Dies In Crash, $150K Raised For Widow, Children
Brian Benson, of Scotch Plains, died in a car crash on Wednesday, Sept. 17, according to his obituary from Memorial Funeral Home. He was 46 years old.
Born in New York and raised in Mountain Lakes, Brian was a Rutgers graduate who built a two-decade career in medical device sales with Bausch and Lomb, Johnson & Johnson, and most recently RxSight, his obituary says.
“Brian was a valued member of the RxSight team, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in medical device sales and a deep commitment to his work,” a GoFundMe created by colleague Heather Spiri reads.
Brian was de…
NJ Little League Coach Dies Week After Cancer Diagnosis
A New Jersey community is mourning the loss of a father, coach, and mentor who died just days after a sudden cancer diagnosis.
Christopher (Chris) Woolis, 47, of Elmwood Park, was diagnosed with cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and passed away only seven days later, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, according to Elmwood Park Little League President Steven Kochlick.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our dear friend and Vice President of Elmwood Park Little League, Chris Woolis,” Kochlick wrote in a statement to the community. “Chris served on the Board for …
Hit-And-Run Leaves Montauk Cyclist In ICU; Family Launches Fundraiser
A Long Island man known for his kindness and passion for cycling is fighting to recover after a hit-and-run crash left him critically injured.
Kyle Briand, of Montauk, was riding his bike on the night of Sunday, Aug. 10, when he was struck by a driver who fled the scene, his sister Amanda Corwin wrote on a GoFundMe page.
The cyclist was rushed by ambulance to Amagansett, where he was met by a medevac and flown to Stony Brook Hospital’s Trauma Center. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
Briand sustained a severe head injury, a broken arm, fractured orbital bone, concussion, stitches abov…
