Fundraiser Launched For Lacey Teen Who Died In Lakewood Crash

LACEY, NJ — One of the victims of Saturday's tragic car crash in Lakewood that killed three and hospitalized two has been identified as a Lacey resident.

A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of Dashaun Witter, 17, who died in the crash on Oct. 7.

Witter was born in Lakewood but was a Lacey resident and attended Lacey Township High School, according to the GoFundMe.

"He was such a loving, and care free person. Dashaun Witter was such a respectful person and fun going person to be around. He loved his family most importantly, Dashaun loved and cared for everyone that he came in contact with," the GoFundMe reads.

The family is not only mourning the loss of "DaeDae" as he was known, as they also lost his older cousin a few weeks prior, the GoFundMe said.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said the preliminary investigation found the driver of the 2009 Honda Accord was driving east on Cedar Bridge Avenue and ran a red light at New Hampshire Avenue, hitting a Dodge truck. Both vehicles split in half — the truck from the impact of the Honda, the Honda after it hit a light pole.

The driver of the Dodge truck was treated for minor injuries, the prosecutor's office said.

Lacey schools Superintendent Vanessa Pereira alluded to the crash in a letter to families on Sunday, noting that the district had lost one of its students the day before.

"We ask that you keep the family and all involved in your thoughts and prayers," Pereira wrote.

The district's Crisis Team and other resources are available to help any students and staff in need.

This article contains additional reporting by Karen Wall.