School Security Guard With A 'Big Heart' Dies In South Jersey Crash

PILESGROVE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The man identified as the victim of a fatal crash last week in South Jersey was a security guard and custodian for an elementary school, according to Derik Martin's loved ones.

Martin, 32, of Pittsgrove, died in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Salem County, authorities told Patch.

He worked for both UPS and as a security guard and custodian for Paul W. Carleton Elementary School in Penns Grove, according to his obituary.

"Known for his infectious energy and love for the outdoors, Derik found joy in riding his quad, fishing, caring for his tractors, and spending time shooting at USANA," Martin's obituary says. "But above all, Derik was known for his big heart, always willing to lend a hand, crack a smile, and put others before himself."

The crash happened around 1:15 p.m. Thursday in Pilesgrove Township, said Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, a State Police spokesperson.

Martin was driving a Dodge pickup truck eastbound as a Ford pickup truck traveled west. The vehicles collided when Martin tried to turn left onto Glassboro Road, Lebron said.

Martin sustained fatal injuries, while the Ford driver's injuries were minor.

The crash remains under investigation, and no additional information was available as of noon Monday.

View Martin's full obituary, shared by Adams Funeral Home.