NJ Boy Celebrating 1st Birthday Hit, Killed In Alleged DWI Crash

RARITAN, NJ — A Raritan boy who was celebrating his first birthday with his family was hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver Saturday, authorities said. Matias Ortega was killed Saturday night as he went to the park in a stroller with his mother and brother to celebrate his birthday, loved ones said in an online fundraiser created for the family.

To help the family cover funeral expenses, donations are being collected through GoFundMe with a goal of $25,000. In one day nearly $7,000 has already been raised.

Additionally, donations for the family are also being collected by Vinnie's Pizza and Pasta, where the father and husband Lorenzo Teodoro Ortega works. Donations can either be mailed or dropped off to: Vinnie's Pizza and Pasta, 990 U.S. Highway 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876. Checks can be made out to: Lorenzo Teodoro Ortega.

According to authorities, 36-year-old Domitila Rosales was walking on an Anderson Street sidewalk around 7:15 p.m. with her son Daniel Ortega, 5, and Matias in a stroller when they were hit by Ronald B. Rebernik, 62, of Raritan.

Rebernik hit two parked vehicles, left the roadway and continued southbound on the sidewalk, where he struck the family, police said. Rebernik then continued driving southbound on the sidewalk after striking the family, and went back onto the road, where he hit two more parked vehicles on the northbound side of Anderson Street before stopping, police said.

The mother suffered serious injuries and Daniel suffered critical injuries. Both remained hospitalized on Monday. The 1-year-old boy was later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Rebernik was arrested and charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, two counts of third-degree assault by auto, third-degree possession of controlled dangerous substance, and a disorderly person's offense of under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.

Rebernik was also issued numerous motor vehicle summonses for DWI, DWI in a school zone, careless driving, reckless driving, and controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

"On behalf of all of the people of Raritan, the Governing Body wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to the parents and family of 1-year-old Matias Ortega, who was tragically killed Saturday evening on Anderson Street," Raritan officials posted on its Facebook page.

Related: Baby Killed, Child And Mom Hurt In DWI Crash In Raritan

(Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch)

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