Barnegat Baseball Star Killed In Accident After Signing Pro Contract

BARNEGAT, NJ — A baseball standout from Barnegat has died in a car accident shortly after signing a pro contract.

Nick Danbrowney, 22, was killed in a crash in North Carolina's Outer Banks on Aug. 18, according to local news reports. He was the front seat passenger when the driver lost control at a high rate of speed and veered off the road, struck an embankment and overturned multiple times, according to local news station 13 News Now. Danbrowney, not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the SUV and died at the scene, according to the report.

The Barnegat native and pitcher had recently finished his college baseball career at Ramapo College, where he set the school's strikeout record. Along with Ramapo teammate Jack Martin, he was signed by California-based Bakersfield Train Robbers, a professional team in the Pecos League, in late June.

"I'm numb," said Train Robbers Manager Bill Rogan. "Our entire team is devastated. Even though we went our separate ways after the season, we're still a close knit group. We're having trouble dealing with this. Nick was a gentleman off the field and a terrific pitcher on the mound with a bright future. We loved Nick and will never forget him."

A GoFundMe in Danbrowney's honor has raised more than $32,000 as of Thursday morning.

"Nick was truly one of a kind—comedic, outgoing, and endlessly entertaining," the fundraiser reads. "He had a way of making everyone laugh, lifting the mood in any room, and turning ordinary moments into memories we’ll never forget. His energy and spirit left an impact on everyone lucky enough to know him."

The money will be used for transportation and funeral costs, according to the GoFundMe page.

"Nick’s laughter, his kindness, and his larger-than-life personality will never be forgotten," the fundraiser reads. "Thank you for helping us honor his memory and keep his spirit alive."