Friends Launch Fundraisers For Families Of Missing NJ Boaters

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — Fundraisers have been launched for two people who were on a boat that capsized on the Delaware River in Gloucester County over the weekend.

Joseph P. McLaughlin, 24, and Brian S. Palangi, 26, both of Deptford, went missing after their boat capsized on Saturday, according to New Jersey State Police. The identifications came after police said earlier in the day that both men have been presumed dead. Read more: 2 Presumed Dead After Boat Capsized Identified: Police

“He was an amazing father, son, friend, teammate, and colleague who brought smiles to everyone who knew him,” organizer Camren Allen said in an online fundraiser launched for Palangi. “Anybody who knew Brian, knows that the people that he cared about the most were his family including his daughter Mia (who turns 9 years old in December). This fund will be used in any way necessary to help Brian's family.”

Palangi earned his bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Rutgers University-Camden, where he also spent two years playing for the men’s soccer team. He was team captain in 2018, according to the fundraiser.

As of Friday morning, The Palangi Fund had raised $36,577. Contributions can be made at gofundme.com.

“Joey is somebody who loves to ride anything with a motor, squeeze every drop out of life, and most of all, he’s somebody who loves nothing more than his mother and father,” organizer Nicole Rosenzweig said in an online fundraiser launched for McLaughlin. “ Family is something he takes very serious; his brother and sister share an unconditional love for their brother that only comes from the kind of relationship you develop through years of loving memories, hardships, and living with someone for their entire life. Joey is not only an amazing sibling, he is also the best son, co-worker, and friend to so many of us. He has had such a positive influence on everyone he has touched in his life. Joey strives every day to find a balance between taking care of his loved ones and living his life to the fullest.”

Rosenzweig said she launched the fund to help a family that is not only dealing with pain, but with the financial repercussions that come with the situation. As of Friday morning, The McLaughlin Fund had raised $26,200. Contributions can be made at gofundme.com.

A third man who was on the boat when it capsized near Red Bank Battlefield Park in National Park was rescued by good Samaritans, according to New Jersey State Police. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released.

The three men were on the river when the boat began taking on water before eventually capsizing Saturday afternoon, police said. The three boaters onboard went into the water and began swimming toward safety. However, McLaughlin and Palangi were caught up in swift currents and carried away, police said.

New Jersey State Police and other agencies launched a search-and-rescue mission that lasted two days before it was declared a recovery operation. McLaughlin and Palangi still had not been found as of Friday morning.