5-Car Crash Kills NJ Boy, Support Surges For His Funeral

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — A fundraiser for funeral expenses for a boy who “knew how to make everyone’s day brighter” has exceeded $73,000 as of Monday.

The initial goal of the GoFundMe set up by Ashley Van Dine, mother of Lorenzo Van Dine, 6, who was killed in a five-car crash on Route 80, was $30,000.

Sgt. Phillip Curry, a spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police, told Patch on Monday afternoon, there is no new information available about the crash, which remains under investigation.

Van Dine, of Budd Lake, was reportedly traveling with his uncle on Route 80 East in Roxbury at about 7:45 p.m. on Dec. 23, when an unknown driver that the New Jersey State Police continues to search for, started the chain reaction. Two cars hit the one Van Dine’s uncle was driving, the State Police reported after the accident.

A fifth car that came onto the scene, hit the car that was first struck.

On Christmas Eve, Van Dine’s mother, who said she is a single parent, created the GoFundMe post, writing:

“I’m a single mom with not much money to make something beautiful for him to celebrate his loving life. He was loved by many. He played lots of sports. He also was a kinda hearted loving boy. Who wanted to be a cop when he grew up. He just started out wanting to be on master chef junior and always tried to make new things. He was my family’s love. And he knew how to make everyone’s day brighter.”

For the GoFundMe Fundraiser, click here: www.gofundme.com/f/mpb3su-lorenzos-funeral-cost.

Budd Lake Fire Department Co #1 additionally posted about the tragedy, one of their members Lorenzo Van Dine's grandparent:

"We ask that you hold your family members a little tighter this holiday season, tell them you love them and cherish every moment," Budd Lake Fire Department wrote.

Flanders Fire and Rescue Company #1 wrote that they responded as mutual aid to the crash and “worked diligently and rapidly” to transport Van Dine from the scene.

“This call hit close to home because this young bright child filled with smiles and laughter lives in Mt. Olive with family also being members of Budd Lake Fire,” they wrote. “I ask we all come together as a community to help this family in need and provide your thoughts and prayers during this tragic and difficult time.”

Support continued as well virtually for the young boy, Mount Olive Junior Marauders Football Association posting about Van Dine’s passing. They called him by the nickname “Renni,” writing in a social media post that he was one of their flag football players:

“Renni was a fun loving kid, with the brightest smile and had the biggest personality,” they wrote. “In addition to football, Renni was also a Mount Olive baseball and wrestling athlete. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Van Dine family.”

Hackettstown’s Tiger Wrestling Club also remembered him in a tribute:

The state police, continues to seek leads in the crash from anyone who may have any information. The Netcong “Troop B” station is where tips can be called in, even anonymously, at 973-347-1001.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 3:25 p.m., Dec. 27, to include comments from the New Jersey State Police.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a local news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.