Community Mourns Death Of East Windsor Grad, Starts Fundraiser For Family

EAST WINDSOR, NJ – The community is mourning the loss of Hightstown High School graduate Julia McDaid, who was found dead on Monday.

A community member has also started a GoFundMe to help the McDaid family.

“As a recent graduate of Hightstown High School and the family's ties as long-standing residents of East Windsor, Julia's passing affected many of us in the East Windsor community,” the fundraiser said.

“She was a loving daughter, sister, niece, cousin, granddaughter and friend to so many. While the family is grieving her loss, this GoFundMe is being set up to help them with the funeral and any related costs.”

McDaid, 18, was found at Bear Brook, located along Oak Creek Road on Monday around 9:09 a.m., police said. More: 18-Year-Old Woman Found Dead In East Windsor: Police

According to preliminary investigation, there were no signs of foul play, authorities said.

The East Windsor Regional School District mourned McDaid, who was a member of Hightstown High School’s Class of 2020.

“As a recent graduate of HHS, Julia still maintained several connections and friendships within the school community,” Superintendent Mark Daniels said.

“This is deeply heartbreaking and our thoughts and prayers go out to Julia’s family and friends. They have unexpectedly and prematurely lost someone they love and they will need our continued support during the days and weeks ahead.”

The East Windsor Police Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office are still investigating McDaid’s death.

To contribute to the fundraiser, click here.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com