Woodbridge Rallies For Young Man Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The Woodbridge community is rallying to support the family of a 27-year-old local man who was killed this week by a woman who police say was driving drunk or under the influence of drugs.

The man is Michael Hoffman of Colonia. He was killed while on his way back home to New Jersey, after a weekend hiking trip with friends in the mountains.

Hoffman was killed just past noon on Tuesday, when the woman drove head-first into the Jeep Wrangler he was a passenger in. This happened on Interstate 95 south in New Hampshire, said New Hampshire State Police. Tragically, Hoffman was ejected from the Jeep and he died shortly after at a nearby hospital. Three other people in the car with him had minor injuries.

The driver who hit him, Sue Sargent, 66, of Eliot, Maine, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence. She herself was seriously injured in the crash. "Although physical impairment appears to be a contributing factor, all aspects of this crash remain under investigation," said New Hampshire State Police in a statement.

This GoFundMe page was started by a friend who was in the same car when the fatal accident occurred.

"This past Tuesday, while driving home from a weekend of hiking in Maine, myself and three friends were involved in a serious car accident, resulting in the unfortunate and unexpected loss of my close friend Michael Hofmann," wrote Matthew Santangelo.

"'Mikey," as he was known to many, was like a brother to me," he wrote. "His smile brightened every room he walked into, and his presence was so warm and welcoming. His contagious personality was so easy to love and admire, as were his drive and energy to leave an impact on any who had the privilege of knowing him; he was always so unapologetically authentic and his true self."

"At this time, I kindly ask that you please pray for the entire Hofmann family and consider donating to this fundraiser, but also join me in honoring and celebrating the life of Michael - a man, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who impacted so many who loved him just as he loved them back."

Santangelo said he is raising the money to give to Hoffman's surviving parents and his brother.

So far, $26,835 has been donated, exceeding the page's $20,000 goal.

Initial Patch report: Colonia Man, 27, Killed By Drunk Driver In New England Crash: PD (July 8)

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