Community Mourns, Holds Candlelight Vigil For Bridgewater Toddler

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The community is coming to grips with tragedy now that Jennifer Loughran, founder of the Somerset County Mask Squad, is mourning the loss of her 17-month-old son, Finn.

A candlelight vigil was held on Sunday night and Monday in Finn's memory. Finn, who was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs Disease, died on Saturday in his mother's arms.

"My fox left this world in my arms, in his swing. He was loved beyond measure," Loughran said on her Facebook page dedicated to Finn.

"My heart breaks reading this. Your boy was so loved and touched so many hearts. I am praying for you and for family sending so much love to you all," said a community member on her post.

"Finn in your short time on this earth you left your tiny footprints on thousands of hearts in this towns community. In this year and times that we live in you, your mom and dad and sisters showed us all what it truly means to survive with hope and unconditional love," said another community member.

Jennifer and Mike Loughran have two daughters as well and in 2013, they lost another daughter, Sylvia, for undetermined reasons. She was only 14 months old and had low tone and special needs, but she was never diagnosed.

Donations are still being collected for the Loughran family to cover any medical bills that will be forthcoming, funeral expenses, and more.

The GoFundMe had previously been started by a close friend, Stacey Friedlander, in July. Read More: Bridgewater Mom Helped Thousands During Pandemic; Now Needs Help

Currently, the fundraiser has raised $38,000 of its $40,000 goal. To learn more or to donate to the fundraiser click here.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been released for Finn.

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