Funeral Set for Berkeley Heights Teen Who Died in Car Crash on Saturday

Berkeley Heights, NJ -- Funeral services have been announced for Eric Hagen, a 15-year-old student from Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, who died, along with a Scotch Plains teen, after a car flipped over on Saturday in Plainfield.

Hagen’s wake will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Ippolito’s Funeral Home at 646 Springfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights.

Funeral Service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 at Little Flower Church in Berkeley Heights. Burial to follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery at 225 Ridgedale Avenue in East Hanover.

Repast at Mount Carmel Hall in Riverview Banquet Room at 1:30 p.m.

Eric Hagen’s obituary

Eric was born in Overlook Hospital in Summit and lived in Berkeley Heights. He attended the William Woodruff Elementary School in Berkeley Heights and was a student at Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights.

Eric was free spirit and a gentle soul beloved by his family and friends, always there to lend a hand and make you smile. He was a huge sports fan, and loved the NY Jets, the Michigan Wolverines, and the Miami Heat.

Eric enjoyed listening to rap music, all kinds of fishing, and playing basketball in his yard. Words on paper cannot capture the essence of the exceptional little man that he was.

Eric is survived by his adoring mother, Irene Hagen and father, Ed Hagen; his loving sisters, Alyson, Sarah and Natalie; his dear grandparents Irene Emm, John and Betty Hagen and is survived by several loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Eric was pre-deceased by his grandfather, Anthony Emm.

Second victim

The driver, Scotch Plains resident Tyler Devaney, 18, a senior at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School also died in the crash.

The car, a silver Honda, overturned around 6 a.m. at the intersection of Emerson Avenue and East 2nd Street in Plainfield, said Lt. Wayne Williams of the Plainfield Police Department.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

A preliminary investigation revealed that speed may have been a factor, police said.

Grief counselors were available Monday afternoon at Governor Livingston High School to help children with the grieving process. Support for students and staff is also planned upon the return to school on Jan. 4.

Services for Tyler will be held at: Rossi Funeral Home, 1937 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains on Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery 360 Broadway, Keyport.

(Photo, Ippolito’s Funeral Home: Eric Hagen)