Boy, 12, Dies After Hit-And-Run In Union, Fundraiser Started

UNION, NJ — A beloved 12-year-old boy, who was hit by a van that fled the scene in Union Township on Wednesday night, has died from his injuries, authorities say.

The boy was identified as Jeremy Maraj of Union, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo and Union Police ChiefDaniel Zieser jointly announced.

"Jeremy was a delightful young man who had a positive impact on anyone he was around. I can honestly say my life and the lives of all those he knew and loved were better because of him. He loved to play soccer and basketball and I'm not ashamed to admit he was better at both than I am or ever was. His memory will live on in all of us. Rest in Peace little man. You will never be forgotten," said Tom Ehrhardt, Jeremy's nieghbor who created a GoFundMe page in his memory.

The fundraiser is looking to raise $30,000 to help offset expenses to his family. The page has already raised more than $13,000 in less than one day.

"I've always thought of Jerry like one of my own. He was always around with that smile that could make even the worst of days not seem so bad," Ehrhardt said.

Maraj was on his way home from Irene Hoppe Park when he was hit by a white commercial vanwhile crossing Galloping Hill Road in Union just before 8 p.m. on July 17, according to the GoFundMe page.

The van hit the Maraj in front of 296 Galloping Hill Road, did not stop and kept driving north on the roadway, police said.

Maraj was rushed to University Hospital in Newark with life-threatening injuries. He later died from his injuries on Friday morning, Ruotolo said.

The tragic crash is now being investigated as a vehicular homicide by the Union County Homicide Task Force and Union Police Department.

The van was later found by authorities in Union along with the driver, Union Police said.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Task Force Detective Sean Holcomb at 908-358-8377 or Union Police Officer Michael Salerno at 908-851-5070.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

For more information on the fundraiser or to make a donation visit gofundme.com/f/jeremy-maraj.

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