Red Bank's Andrew Hill: A Life Well-Lived, A Death Too Soon

RED BANK, NJ - Red Bank won't soon forget Andrew "Drew" Hughes-Hill.

He was only 26. Area residents were shocked to learn that the affable volunteer first responder and firefighter was murdered on Sunday.

Authorities charged Demar S. Reevey, 23, with Hill's stabbing death early Sunday morning. Reevey was also charged with third-degree possession of a weapon (knife) for an unlawful purpose.

Police received a 911 call reporting a stabbing victim in the area of Tilton Avenue and Bank Street in Red Bank at 12:43 a.m. Police found Hill at the scene. Hill was transported to Riverview Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m.,Gramiccioni said..

His friends have set up a Gofundme site to help his grieving family pay for his funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here. As of Wednesday morning, $4,390 of the $10,000 goal had been raised by 97 people in one day.

"Andrew was known for his positive attitude and infectious smile, which will never be forgotten," the gofundme post states. "Andrew will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

If you would like to donate to the fund, click here.

The young man worked at Bayshore Community Hospital. He was an active member of the Sea Bright Volunteer Fire Department, the Red Bank First Aid Squad and the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department where he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of the Westside Hose Company.

"Andrew was extremely outgoing and was a beloved member of the community who has deep family roots in Red Bank," the post states.

His fellow firefighters at the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Company will miss him.

"Andrew was a strong and proud member of our Westside Hose Company and Engine 96," the Red Bank Fire Department posted on its Facebook page. "It pains us terribly to see such a promising young man struck down in this way and we offer our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones. To our brother Andrew we say thank you for your service and your friendship, and rest easy, we'll take it from here."

Andrew was also an enthusiastic drummer who enjoyed spending his time with Fusion Drum & Bugle Corps and making his own beats. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank. Andrew always put God and family first no matter the circumstances," the Gofundme page states.

He is survived by mother, Tanydalaya L. Hughes, his father, Harlen Hill Sr., his sister, Jazsmine Hill, his grandmother, Valerie L. Hughes, his aunt, Kimbeir L. Hughes-Bowman, and his cousin, Brianne Bowman. Andrew was a part of the Maccanico Family and the Hill Family.

Photo: Courtesy of gofundme.com