Funeral Services Set For Teen Killed In Point Beach Train Accident

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — Friends are rallying to support the family of a Point Pleasant teenager who was killed Sunday when he was hit by an NJ Transit train in Point Pleasant Beach.

Raul Cartagena, 15, was being remembered for his infectious laugh and smile by friends who created a GoFundMe to help his family with the expenses for his funeral. Services have been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with funeral arrangements being handled by Pable Evertz Funeral Home in Point Pleasant.

The incident remains under investigation, an NJ Transit spokesperson said Tuesday.

A GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $53,000 Tuesday to assist Raul’s family with the funeral expenses. The campaign was started by Riley Newitts, Emma Boyle and Melody Pearsall, all ages 14 to 16 and friends of Raul.

“He always had a smile on his face and knew how to put one on ours even in our darkest of days,” the three wrote.

Raul was “the nicest kid you’d ever meet. So kind,” Kelly Hellwig wrote on the GoFundMe, sharing her daughter Brianna’s description of her friend. “She is devastated by his loss.”

“Raul your infectious laughter and smile will live on in all of us,” Patti Brennan wrote on the GoFundMe.“Point Boro and Beach will forever have another angel looking over them.”

Raul was going to be a freshman at Point Pleasant Borough High School and was planning to join the wrestling team, according to an NJ.com report.

“The Point Pleasant Borough School community is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our high school students,” Superintendent Adam Angelozzi said. “The death of any young person is a loss that affects each of us. Our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

He also had recently become an uncle, according to his obituary, which said he was a “beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and newly made uncle.”

“Raul was cherished by many and was known for his charismatic, uplifting and fun personality,” his family said.

“For his young age, he was never afraid of a challenge and looked forward to trying something new head first,” his family wrote. “He inspired his family with his bravery and devotion to genuine friendships. A true social butterfly and adventurous soul.”

“Raul will be dearly and deeply missed, never forgotten and forever imprinted on the hearts of all who were blessed to know him,” the obituary said.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Pable Evertz Funeral Home, 901 Beaver Dam Road, and the funeral service is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Church of St. Anthony Claret, 780 Ocean Ave. (Route 88) in Lakewood, according to his obituary.

“As our community grieves the loss of our beloved student, the sudden loss of a friend or family member can have profound effects,” Angelozzi said. Grief support services are available for students and staff through the Point Pleasant Borough Schools’ Counseling Department, through Common Ground Grief Center, 732-606-7477, and through Perform Care, 1-877-652-7624.

School counselors will be available to students of all grades through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the high school counseling office. Counseling services through the YMCA can be accessed by contacting the school counselor or child study team, Angelozzi said. Those in need should call the high school at 732-701-1900, ext. 2208 or 2209.

“Raul was a shining light in our family of friends,” his friends who created the GoFundMe campaign wrote. “Raul will never be forgotten.”

Those who wish to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign can find information here.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.