Community Mourns 11-Year-Old Morris Co. Boy, Rallies Beside Family

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The community is rallying beside the family of an 11-year-old boy who died suddenly this week.

Residents are coming together to remember Callum McGookin, of Chatham, who died suddenly in an accident, according to his family. Details on the tragedy were not immediately available.

A GoFundMe posted to fund an official, long-term foundation in Callum’s honor, says he is remembered for “his kindness, his love of adventure, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.”

In addition to launching a GoFundMe, which has raised more than $175,000 so far, community members have created a website to share updates, coordinate support and meals for the family, organize his Celebration of Life, and lay the groundwork for a foundation in his name.

Through the website, users are able to donate money and gift cards to Callum’s family, coordinate providing meals for them, and share photos and memories of him.

Organizers have also launched the Gold Ribbon Project. Neighbors and supporters of the McGookins are asked to tie a golden ribbon to their mailboxes to “serve as a daily, community-wide reminder of his bright spirit and our shared love for his family.”

“We invite you to lean in with us. Share your favorite photos, write down your fondest memories in the comments, and help us wrap his family in love,” the site reads. "Callum gave us so much; now, it’s our turn to carry his piece of the world forward.”

A Celebration of Life will be held for Callum on June 24 at Chatham Middle School from 4 to 7 p.m.