Morris Student Hit By Car Still Recovering; Fundraiser Benefits Family

ROCKAWAY, NJ — A Morris County teenager is still in critical condition after being hit by a car last week on Route 46, and a family friend is helping raise money for the family's hospital bills.

Morris Hills High School freshman Emmanuel Ramnarain sustained a traumatic brain injury in the crash and has "a long and difficult recovery ahead," neighbor and family friend Kristyn Dietrich wrote on GoFundMe. Ramnarain is part of the football program at Morris Hills.

The crash took place on Feb. 22 in Rockaway, at around 6:24 p.m. Ramnarain and another teenager were trying to cross the highway near the Shoprite complex entrance when they were hit by a pickup truck driver, according to a police report.

As of the latest update Monday, the 14-year-old was still in critical condition at Morristown Medical Center, with doctors "closely monitoring" swelling in his brain.

A online fundraising page for Ramnarain's family has raised more than $24,000 as of Wednesday morning. More than 400 people have donated so far.

The money will go directly to his mother, to offset the medical expenses from his accident, Dietrich wrote.

"Emmanuel and his family are in need of prayers, love, and support," she wrote. "Thank you for your generosity and kindness."

In a news release, police said a westbound pickup truck struck Ramnarain and the 15-year-old girl as they attempted to cross the highway. First responders transported the girl, also a Rockaway resident, to Dover St. Clare's Hospital with minor injuries. Ramnarain was taken to Morristown Medical Center with serious injuries.

Officials said the driver of the pickup, a 21-year-old Wantage man, remained at the scene. No charges have been filed as of the latest update.