Friends Rally For High School Student Hit By Truck On 1st Day Of School On Route 22

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Friends are rallying behind Bridgewater-Raritan High School student Angelo Baez after he was hit by a Ford F-250 truck while trying to run across Route 22 on Tuesday.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up for Baez, a sophomore, by his neighbor and best friend Jude Alb.

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"Angelo is my neighbor, and he has been my best friend for years. We've been through thick and thin together. He has been there for me for anything I've needed. He is such a strong kid that never lets anything get in his way," said Alb.

After completing their first day back to school on Tuesday, Baez and his friends went to The Village at Bridgewater off Commons Way to get food, said Alb.

Around 4:10 p.m., "We tried crossing the highway to get into Somerville when Angelo was suddenly hit by a truck and critically injured," said Alb in the fundraiser.

According to Bridgewater police, a Ford F-250 was driving on Route 22 West when, about 100 feet west of the exit ramp from Commons Way, it hit "a juvenile boy who ran south across the highway, directly in front of the truck."

• Related: Boy Hit By Pick-Up Truck On Route 22, Hospitalized With Serious Injuries In Somerset Co.

After the impact, the boy came to rest on the shoulder of Route 22 West, police reported.

Baez was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick by helicopter.

The crash remains under investigation by the Bridgewater Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Bureau.

"During this time, Angelo's mom won't be able to work as she will be by his side," said Alb.

Alb set up the fundraiser to help cover expenses for the family.

The fundraiser includes messages from friends describing Angelo and urging support for his recovery.

Jacob wrote, "Angelo is a brother to me" and said, "I am always going to be hopeful because Angelo is the strongest kid I know."

Wayne wrote, "I pray for him every night, and I truly believe that if anyone can recover from this, it's him."

Edward wrote, "Angelo is one of the most loyal, honest, and strongest people I know."

The GoFundMe asks people to "share love and encouragement" with Angelo and his family.

For more information or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-angelos-recovery-after-the-accident.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer Cole Taggert of the Bridgewater Police Traffic Safety Bureau at 908-722-4111, extension 4088, or the Bridgewater TIPS line at 877-660-INFO (4636).

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.