South Jersey Community Mourns Loss Of Single Dad, 3 Young Girls

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — A Gloucester County community is mourning the death of a single father and three young family members who were killed in a fatal car crash in Westville that took place Saturday night. The third child involved in the crash was his niece.

The Westville Power Boat Association has launched an online fundraiser for George Ritter and the three young girls, who were killed in the single-car crash late Saturday night. Two of the girls were his daughters, and the third was his niece.

“We want to give George and the girls, Elsie, Alivia, and Kenzie, the memorial they deserve and to honor their memory and say our last goodbyes,” the organizers wrote in a GoFundMe post. “They have touched the lives of so many, and it’s our turn to show our appreciation for George and the girls one last time. We are currently asking for donations to help cover the costs of the funeral. Any donation is extremely appreciated.”

The family was on their way home from a toddler’s birthday party at the association when Ritter crashed into a utility pole, 6 ABC reports. It remains unknown what caused the crash.

The crash happened between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Gateway Boulevard in Westville. Read more here: Young Girls Among 4 Dead In Westville Crash On Gateway Boulevard

A makeshift memorial for the single-father and the three children had appeared at the crash site by Sunday afternoon, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The entire community was mourning the loss.

“He was a nice guy. He always had his kids and he took them places, went out fishing,” one neighbor told CBS 3. “He was always working on people’s cars, just a good family man.”

Elsie and Alivia attended the Green-Fields School in West Deptford, NJ 101.5 reports. The school will make counselors available for students, staff, parents and members of the community.

As of Monday afternoon, the “George Ritter and Our 3 Beautiful Angels” fundraiser had raised more than $31,000. To make a donation, visit gofundme.com.