Hawthorne Grateful For Kindness In Grief

Following the Jan. 24 fatality at the Pulis Avenue railroad crossing, Hawthorne officials publicly thanked Franklin Lakes for the kindness, compassion and professionalism shown to grieving residents.

"Any time a kid dies, it hits home with every parent," said Hawthorne Mayor Richard Goldberg, who along with Hawthorne Schools Superintendent Richard Mooney attended last week's council meeting to express gratitude for allowing students the space to mourn at the trackside where Marcus Ruta, 20, was killed when the car he was driving in hit a train.

Ruta was a recent graduate of Hawthorne High School. The driver, Jeffrey Cohen, 19, is a current student at Hawthorne, Mooney said. 

Approximately 80 people attended a vigil at the Pulis Avenue railroad crossing where Ruta died. Franklin Lakes Police checked the train schedules, set up barricades and worked to keep mourners safe during the vigil and allow them the space to celebrate the life and grieve the death of the popular young man. In particular, the Hawthorne officials commended Ptl. Mark McCombs for his compassion with the kids.

"Everyone was just wonderful with the students, patient and compassionate," Mooney said. "The police were just wonderful with the students, explained boundaries of safety and patiently reminded them four or five times."

"We got the welcome and courtesy we would expect from Franklin Lakes," Goldberg said.