Woodbridge Crash Victim Remembered As Loving Dad, Hard Worker

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The family of a man who died in a crash on Route 1 in Woodbridge on Thanksgiving night says being a father was his greatest purpose.

Manuel E. Pujols, 51, died after his pickup truck hit the median near the ramp from Route 35, flipped over, and then was hit by an oncoming sedan.

Pujols made meaningful bonds and friendships during his adolescence in Perth Amboy , according to his obituary. He spent his early years in Jersey City and returned there to build his plumbing company, BNH LLC, his obituary said.

A GoFundMe for his son Christian has raised more than $4,400 as of Tuesday afternoon, less than a day after it was started.

Manuel Pujols' sister Julia described his devotion to Christian on the GoFundMe page:

"Christian Immanuel's birth brought hope and dreams for my brother. Colors were brighter, the air more vibrant, life more worth living, and goals worth striving for. He wanted to give his baby boy the world. He did this through words, actions, and his ability to always be by Christian's side, through the good and the bad times."

Now, the Pujols family and friends are supporting 21-year-old Christian after this unexpected loss.

"In complete darkness, your prayers and love have been our light," Julia wrote on the GoFundMe page. "We hope that Christian feels the warmth of your enlightenment as he continues to walk on the path to building his future."

Visitation for Pujols is Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-9 p.m. at the Gustav J. Novak Funeral Home, at 419 Barclay Street in Perth Amboy. A funeral procession is Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10:15 a.m. to Alpine Cemetery for burial, according to the obituary.

The crash happened on Thursday, Nov. 24 around 9:52 p.m. on Route 1 South near the entrance ramp from Route 35 (St. George's Road). Police are still putting together the details of what happened, and arrested three Elizabeth residents who were driving the stolen sedan. Read more — Man Dead, 3 Arrested After Thanksgiving Crash In Woodbridge: Police

First responders took Pujols from the scene of the crash to JFK University Medical Center in Edison, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police ask anyone who saw the crash, or who has more information, to call Officer Jake Fasano at 732- 634-7700, ext. 6646.