‘The Wonderful Man That He Was’: Ocean County Police Academy Cadet Dies After Cancer Battle

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Weeks into a rare cancer diagnosis, an Ocean County Police Academy Cadet passed away on Thursday morning, according to an update posted to his GoFundMe.

Teddy Golubowski, 27, of Toms River, began training with the Ocean County Police Academy in March.

He spent months working hard and chasing his dream of becoming an officer, but suddenly fell ill at the end of May and was later diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

In an update posted to his GoFundMe (which was originally started to help pay Teddy's medical bills), his family said Teddy’s liver was irreversibly failing and that his other organs would soon follow suit.

On Thursday, his sister, Emily, said Teddy passed away peacefully that morning with parents, sisters, friends and family at his side.

“Throughout the night and the morning, friends and family were able to stay with him, telling stories about Teddy and taking comfort in each other,” Emily said. “He spent his last hours breathing on his own, without the assistance of a ventilator, without any pain or discomfort, and surrounded by the people who he loved and who loved him.”

Originally launched to help with medical expenses, the fund was started with a $110,000 goal. As of Friday morning, 1.2K donations have been made and $106,567 has been raised.

“As a family, we want to thank everyone who has loved and supported Teddy not only in the past month, but throughout his life,” Emily said. “Thank you to the family, friends, healthcare workers, and even total strangers who have shown us so much grace, understanding, and care.”

“We would ask that everyone continue to celebrate Teddy’s life and the wonderful man that he was.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer offered their condolences to Teddy’s friends and family.

In a tribute post, the Ocean County Police Academy offered their condolences as well, describing Teddy as someone with “a bright future in law enforcement.”

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our recruit Teddy Golubowski of our current Basic Recruit Class #122 after his extremely hard-fought battle since being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer last month,” The Academy said.

“Teddy was excelling at our Academy and had a bright future in law enforcement," the post continued. "Our staff and his fellow recruits are sending our deepest condolences and love to his family and friends during this very difficult time.”

Previous Coverage

• He Wants To Be A Police Officer, But First Ocean County Man Must Fight For His Life