Basking Ridge Mom Leaves Behind Son, 5, Following Fatal Crash

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A tragic fatal crash on Tuesday morning took the life of Basking Ridge mother Margaret "Maggie" Collins, 31, leaving her son Peter without any parents.

Peter lovingly called "Baby Pete," who is 5, is in the care of family because he also recently lost his father Pete Gonzalez Jr., 27, of Great Meadows on Feb. 26, 2016.

Collin's sister Garrett Nilan has set up a GoFundMe website to benefit Peter and to give "Maggie the beautiful memorial service she deserves."

The accident occurred at 2:18 a.m. on Tuesday when Collins was driving a 2002 Ford F-250 westbound on Spring Valley Boulevard when it veered off of the road striking trees and rolling several times, Bernards Township Police reported.

Collins was pronounced dead at the scene after being extricated by the Liberty Corner Fire Department. A male passenger sustained minor injuries and declined medical attention on scene, police reported. (See Related: Basking Ridge Woman Killed In Early Morning Crash)

"Baby Pete is and always will be Momma's boy. He and his mother were as close as two souls can be," Nilan wrote. "With his father's passing Maggie went above and beyond to be everything to her son and more. She always made sure he was the center of her world and the people around her."

Nilan is hoping the funds raised will help her nephew "live the hopes and dreams of his parents."

The proceeds will benefit the future educational needs of Peter and keeping him involved in his favorite activities with family and friends.

"Peter is only 5 years old and has experienced more loss than most of us," Nilan wrote. "For the rest of my life I am going to do all that I can to ensure my nephew lives as normal and happy a life as possible. A life his parents will look down, smile, and be proud of."

Collins is survived by Peter, her mother Barbara Collins, her brothers Charles (CeeJay) Collins, Dylan Nilan, and Garrett Nilan. Collins is also survived by her long time companion Ryan Holsten, Anita Gonzalez, Linda Gonzalez, Deborah Mauriello, and Vincent (Uncle Vinnie) Mauriello.

To make a donation or for more information on the GoFundMe, click here.

(Image via GoFundMe: Margaret "Maggie" Collins, 31, with her son Peter, 5, both of Basking Ridge)

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