'They Were Best Friends': Mother To Launch Foundation Honoring Malden Woman Killed In Crash
The mother of a Massachusetts woman killed in a New Hampshire motorcycle crash is turning her unthinkable loss into lasting purpose by creating a foundation that will carry on her daughter's lifelong mission of helping others, friends said.
Michaela Svetlana Waldrop, 29, of Malden, died in a motorcycle crash in Gorham, New Hampshire, on July 2, according to police. Now, her mother, Kris Waldrop, is working to establish the Michaela Waldrop Foundation, which will support underserved individuals and families in her daughter's honor.
Friends and loved ones have launched a GoFundMe t…
Final Words Of Former Rutgers Star Shared By Twin Brother
Former Rutgers defensive lineman Jamil Merrell has died, his twin brother announced in an emotional social media post Tuesday, July 7. He was 36 years old.
"As I write this, I'm sitting beside my twin brother, surrounded by our family, knowing that we're witnessing one of the hardest moments we'll ever have to face," Jamal Merrell wrote. "With tears in our eyes and love in our hearts, I want everyone to know that my twin brother, Jamil, is peacefully transitioning to be with God."
Before his death, Jamil shared one final message with his family, according to his brother.
"It's time fo…
Longtime Monroe-Lakeside Firefighter Who Served On 9/11 Dies: 'He Cared'
A longtime Orange County volunteer firefighter and retired FDNY firefighter who responded to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, has died following a battle with cancer.
John A. Braunagel Jr., a life member of the Monroe-Lakeside Fire & Rescue Company, died on Monday, July 6, according to the department.
Firefighters said Braunagel joined Monroe-Lakeside on Oct. 2, 1987, at the age of 18. Sponsored for membership by his father, the late John Braunagel Sr., he went on to build a decades-long career in the fire service, later joining the FDNY.
When terrorists attac…
East Haven Family Seeks Help After 25-Year-Old Killed In Accident: 'He Will Be Deeply Missed'
A Connecticut community is mourning the sudden death of a 25-year-old man who died in an accident.
Anderson Mauricio Ledesma Jara, of East Haven, died Friday, July 3, according to his obituary. His family did not describe the accident that led to his death.
Ledesma Jara is being remembered for "his kind heart, caring spirit, and the love he shared with those around him." His loved ones said "his warmth, laughter, and generosity touched many lives and that he will be deeply missed," according to his obituary.
He leaves behind his parents, siblings, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cou…
Heartbreak After Newark Mom, Teacher Dies At 33
A Newark teacher and devoted mother is being remembered after her death at 33, as loved ones rally to support the young son she leaves behind.
Julianny Lantigua, affectionately known as "Juju," died on Thursday, July 2. She was a fourth-grade teacher at the Park Elementary School in Newark.
"Ms. Lantigua was a caring educator, a devoted mother, and a cherished member of the Park Elementary family," the school said in a Facebook tribute. "Her kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of so many students, families, and colleagues, and she will be deeply missed."
A GoFundMe …
'He Lit Up Any Room': Wolcott Mourns Elementary Student Who Died After Surgery Complications
A Connecticut community is rallying around the family of a Connecticut elementary school student who died suddenly after suffering complications following eye surgery, his family said.
Adam Fontalvo, a rising third grader at Alcott School in Wolcott, died Tuesday, July 1, following surgery for a cataract and retinal detachment, according to his loved ones.
A GoFundMe created to help his family with funeral and medical expenses had raised nearly $28,000 as of Friday, July 3.
"Adam Fontalvo was a happy, big boy who loved anyone and everyone," the fundraiser said. "He always left a grea…
Carteret School Aide Dies, 55
A Carteret school aide known for her laughter, generosity and devotion to her family has died at 55.
Ernestina Cruz died on Saturday, June 27, at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, according to her obituary on the Chubenko Funeral Home website.
Born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, Cruz moved to Carteret in 1987 and spent years working as a teacher's aide for Carteret Public Schools.
She was known for her generous spirit, strength and lively personality. She loved making people laugh, cooking Puerto Rican meals for family and friends, hosting gatherings, dancing and listening to music, but not…
Monmouth University Coach Dies Unexpectedly: Remembering Louis DiRienzio
Louis DiRienzo, the defensive coordinator at Monmouth University, died at the age of 34, the university announced Wednesday, July 1.
DiRienzo joined Monmouth as a linebackers coach in February 2025 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in January.
A native of Yonkers, DiRienzo grew up in New Rochelle, attending New Rochelle High School, where his father, Lou DiRienzo, Sr. served as head coach. While playing for the Huguenots, he earned All-State, All-County, All-Section and All-League honors.
He played college football at Southern Connecticut State University, getting a degree in…
Clifton Dad, 44, Found Dead Behind Library Mourned
A 44-year-old man whose body was found behind a North Jersey library is being remembered as a devoted father, beloved son and brother as his family mourns the unexpected loss.
Adam Steel, formerly of Clifton and East Rutherford and most recently of Sparta, died on Friday, June 19, according to his obituary on the Warner-Wozniak Funeral Service website.
Clifton police responded to a wooded area between the Main Memorial Library and Route 46 after receiving a report of a possible body on Friday, June 19, Lt. Robert Anderson said. Officers and EMS arrived and confirmed Steel, whom Anderson ide…
Kearny First Responder, Community Volunteer Maria De Almeida Dies
Maria De Almeida, a first responder and longtime volunteer, died on Thursday, June 25, and is being remembered for her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Throughout her life, De Almeida dedicated herself to community service, volunteering with organizations including A.C.P. of Kearny, Casa de Ribatejo, the Ironbound Ambulance Squad, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Eastward Community Center, the Montana Community Center, the Rick Barbosa Foundation, Roseville Avenue Presbyterian Church, and the Newark Police Department's mammogram program, according to her obituary on the&n…
'Full Of Life': Family Of Teen Killed In Chaplin Head-On Crash Seeks Help As Community Mourns 2
The family of a Connecticut teenager killed in a violent Chaplin crash alongside another young man is asking the community for help as they cope with the unexpected tragedy.
Geovani "Geo" Aponte Jr., 18, of Willimantic, and Jaiden Pacheco, 20, of North Windham, were killed Friday, June 26, when the car they were in was involved in a head-on crash in Chaplin at the intersection of Willimantic Road and Phoenixville Road, Connecticut State Police said.
The two people on the driver's side of the Hyundai, ages 19 and 18, suffered serious injuries. First responders pulled them from the car, provi…
