Friends Mourn Collingswood Shooting Victim; Manhunt Underway

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — The community is mourning a man affectionately known as "Hoagie" after police said he was fatally gunned down in a Collingswood apartment complex Sunday night.

Collingswood police found 26-year-old Jose Morel, of Collingswood, in the lobby of the complex on the 500 block of North Newton Lake Drive at about 10:20 p.m. Sunday night, Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey announced.

Police were responding to reports of a man who appeared to be injured. Morel was taken to Cooper University Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at about 11 p.m. No arrests had been made as of Monday morning.

"Jose, I can’t even begin to fathom who could even think to take your life," a friend wrote on Facebook Monday morning. "You were the kindest soul I ever had the chance of knowing. You were always smiling, happy, and the brightest light in the room. You knew how to make everyone smile, and laugh the loudest they could. I will miss you dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. It shouldn’t have been you. You had a whole life to live. RIP Hoagie."

Several other friends posted tributes to Morel, who graduated from Collingswood High School, according to his Facebook profile. He played football at Collingswood, and graduated in 2012, according to Hudl.

"You brought positive vibes everywhere you went," another wrote. "We went from not knowing each other to being good homies and legendary seshes. Man, I saw great things you have done for everyone and always put yourself last and did it with a smile! You taught me a lot over the years we created a bond like brothers. I will never forget you Jose Morel. Your laugh and smile will always be with us. I will never forget that."

"Wow, I am at a loss for words," another wrote. "You were such a sweet soul & a goofball, always put a smile on my face. Your heart was too kind for this world. I remember all the times walking home from school with you, I will cherish the memories. Taken too soon, you will be missed love."

Many friends referred to him by his nickname, "Hoagie," and all said he was one of the nicest people they ever met. He was always uplifting, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and no one ever had a bad word to say about him, according to the tributes.

"To the guy with one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever came across, thank you for being genuine, supportive, and giving," another wrote. "Not only to myself but everyone you came into contact with. Always front row at every show rapping every lyric. I’ve never heard anyone speak down on you and you’ve never spoke down on anyone else. The first to congratulate anyone and spoke positivity into everyone. Not to mention you are the life of the party no matter the environment! Lol You and ya boys came a long way since the first day we met. Just happy you got to see it in the physical for as long as you could. It was a pleasure seeing you last week and chopping it up. Happy I got to experience such a great person. My dawg! Sending my prayers and condolences to your closest friends and family."

Some had personal stories to tell.

"It all started in Mr. Kraus's class my junior year," another wrote. "Soon as I met you, it was slappin the table tryin to control our laughter. You were a great person, Hoagie. Sorry. But I know one thing for sure: you'll always be remembered."

"I remember the first time we met when you moved in during the 6th grade, and we became the best of friends," another wrote. "Going to your house after school, playing video games ... we became bros then time passed, and we grew up every time I saw you, you showed me all love. ... You made sure I was good always putting others before you."

Police didn't say which apartment complex in which the shooting took place, but Parkview at Collingswood is the only complex listed on that block.

On Monday morning, cleaning crews were disinfecting one of the elevators in the D building, NJ Pen reports. A stairwell was roped off on one of the higher floors, and there were traces of blood on one of the apartment doors.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Matthew Barber at 856-225-5166 or Collingswood Police Detective Michael Manning at 856-854-1901. Information may also be emailed to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.