Community Corner
Fundraiser Set Up For Retired Officer Killed In South River Home Explosion
Kevin Gilbert Sr. also worked as a school resource officer in the East Brunswick School District until his retirement in 2023.
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of Kevin Gilbert Sr., who died in a home explosion in South River Thursday night.
Gilbert was a retired officer of the Newark Police Department and more recently worked as a school resource officer in East Brunswick School District. He retired from his post in 2023.
“Kevin Sr. was more than a retired police officer; he was the rock of the Gilbert family, a devoted husband, a loving son and father, as well as a friend to many. His commitment to serving others, both in his career and within the home, was unwavering,” said the GoFundMe.
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Around 7:03 p.m. on Thursday, authorities responded to a home on Continental Court following a report of an explosion.
On arrival, authorities found Gilbert and another man who had sustained serious injuries from the explosion.
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Gilbert succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other man was identified as Gilbert’s brother-in-law Curtis in the GoFundMe started by the Hassan Family.
“As we mourn his loss, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our community,” the GoFundMe said.
Glbert is survived by his wife Cleveena and his children Kevin Jr. (a police officer in Somerville, NJ), Indirah, and Khalena, as well as his mother Eulalia Gilbert and siblings Darren, Tyjuan, Juan, Rahman and Hassan.
The GoFundMe describes Gilbert as the “rock” of his family. “His commitment to serving others, both in his career and within the home, was unwavering.”
“Cleveena, KJ, and Rabia have lost not only their beloved Kevin Sr. and their home, but also all that they held dear within it,” said the fundraiser.
“The road ahead is long and uncertain, but with the support of our community, we will not let them walk alone.”
As of Monday morning, $90,644 was raised for the family.
“We know only time can heal their wounds but our goal is to help ease as much of the pain and uncertainty as we can,” the GoFundMe said.
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