9-year-old boy, corrections officer from Millville killed in Vineland, NJ, crash
UPDATE: A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the Beisler family. As of Sunday morning, over $100,000 had been raised.
A GoFundMe page has raised over $36,000 for the Ortiz family.
Our original report continues below.
Tragedy in Cumberland County Thursday evening: a 9-year-old boy and a corrections officer from Millville were killed in a crash near a sports complex.
Just before 6 PM, Vineland police say they were called to the area of Maple Avenue near Becker Drive near the entrance to the Joseph E. Romano Sports Complex for an accident involving a motorcycle and an SUV.
The crash involved a 2019 Honda CBR 1000 and a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse.
Due to the severity of the crash, the Vineland Police Department’s Traffic Unit was activated to investigate the scene.
According to police, 31-year-old Addiel A. Ortiz of Millville was driving the motorcycle eastbound on Maple Avenue when it struck the Traverse being operated by 42-year-old Lauren C. Beisler of Ocean View, who was traveling west on Maple Avenue and making a left turn into the sports complex.
As a result of the collision, Ortiz and a rear-seat passenger in the SUV, a 9-year-old boy from Ocean View identified only as "E.B.," were pronounced dead at the scene.
Lauren Beisler did not sustain any injuries in the accident.
According to a GoFundMe page, Ortiz worked as a corrections officer for over a decade at Southern State Correctional Facility and Bayside State Prison. He was also a coach for the Vineland Blitz youth football team. He leaves behind a fiancè and four children.
According to social media posts, the 9-year-old boy played football for Upper Township, whose games and practices have all been canceled through the weekend.
The accident reportedly happened as both teams were together playing a scrimmage game in Vineland.
Team statement
The Upper Township Indians team released the following statement on Facebook Friday morning,
Our organization and community Is grieving the loss of #23, a bright and talented peewee player who touched the hearts of everyone around him. It is with deep sadness that we announce the cancellation of all Upper Township games this weekend.
In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We believe that coming together to support one another and honor his memory is the most important thing we can do right now.
We ask everyone to hold their loved ones close and cherish the moments we have. Let's remember #23 for the joy he brought to the field and impact he made on all of us. Rest in peace, #23. You will always be an Indian and be in our hearts.
Investigation continues
No charges have been filed at this time and the Vineland Police Department continues to investigate the accident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ofc. Cifuentes at (856) 691-4111.
Cool bridge in rural Salem County; Built in 1905, closed since 1991
Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman
