Hillsborough crash victim GoFundMe raises more than $39K
HILLBOROUGH - Once the site of joy and accomplishment has now become an area of sadness and grief. A 2022 Hillsborough High School graduate, Jorge Antonio, lost his life early Thursday morning in a multi-car accident at the intersection of Amwell and Marshall roads, just a mile down the road from his alma mater.
The 18-year-old was on his way to classes at Raritan Valley Community College when the accident occurred at 6:37 a.m.
"We were extremely saddened to learn of the death of Raritan Valley Community College student Jorge Antonio, who passed away as a result of injuries sustained in a fatal car accident on Oct. 20," said Donna Stolzer, RVCC director of Media Relations. "This fall was Jorge’s first semester at RVCC and he was majoring in Engineering Science. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Counselors are available for our students if they need someone to talk to after hearing this tragic news."
The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office is continuing to investigate the accident, Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald said. Antonio was one of the drivers in the accident, which also involved a vehicle containing Hillsborough High School students. The students, who were injured, were not identified and the extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.
Grief counselors and other mental health professionals also are available for students and staff at Hillsborough High School.
As of Monday morning, more than $39,300 was raised by a GoFundMe set up by Antonio's sister Angelica Antonio to help the family with funeral service and memorial expenses. Any surplus collected will be donated to causes and charities that were dear to "our Jorgito's" heart, Angelica Antonio said. These include causes such as local farmers and developing youths in engineering.
More:One dead in Hillsborough crash at Amwell Road: police
"He loved being outdoors and enjoyed the simple little things in life," Angelica Antonio said. "He enjoyed kayaking and fishing. He would lose track of time very easily as if he was in his own world − just enjoying life really. He was full of joy and loved making others laugh with his silly jokes."
According to Angelica, her brother was a keen gamer who liked playing the video game "League of Legends," and most recently joined the RVCC Dungeons and Dragons club for which he just finished creating his character.
Antonio was very active in the community and was an active member of the Mary, Mother of God youth group.
"Those who had the benefit of knowing him will remember him for his strong faith in God," Angelica Antonio said. "His plan was to go to the Midwest for agricultural engineering. He wanted to help local farmers. He wanted to help them with costs as well as help produce healthier food. He was interested in smart farming and he wanted to advance the engineering technology used. His ultimate goal was to be a Deacon after pursing his agricultural engineering career."
Comments on the GoFundMe page and obituary tribute page on the Hillsborough Funeral Home website spoke of a young man with "a big heart and even bigger smile." Described by a former classmate as "the kid who was making everyone laugh and happy," Antonio was a "kind, polite, and sweet young man," according to a former teacher.
"Jorge was a wonderful young man who always had a smile on his face," said a GoFundMe donor. "He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know him."
"I will always remember him for the smiles he brought to my face every time I saw him," said a friend on his obituary tribute page. "He was always true to himself and never afraid to share his one of a kind personality with others. He was truly a special person that gave the world so so much."
Funeral arrangements include visitation from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 and a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Oct. 29 at Mary, Mother of God Church, 157 South Triangle Road. His final resting place will be at St. Bernard Cemetery and Mausoleum, 551 Route 28 in Bridgewater.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Hillsborough crash victim Jorge Antonio GoFundMe raises more than $39K
