Fundraiser For Hightstown Student Fatally Struck While Riding Bicycle

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — The Melvin H. Kreps Middle School PTO has started a fundraiser to help the family of the 13-year-old who was fatally struck while riding a bicycle.

A resident of Hightstown and a student at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, Anthony (A.J.) Dewayne Collins was found unconscious with “severe trauma to the body and head” around 9 p.m. Sept. 9, at the intersection of West Ward Street and Mercer Street in the borough, Hightstown police said.

Collins went into cardiac arrest while paramedics were still en route, authorities said. Despite all efforts, Collins succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by Capital Health Trauma Center Helene Fuld hospital staff at 10:20 p.m.

Collins grew up in New Brunswick and the family recently moved to Hightstown, where he attended Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, according to the fundraiser

“His family will always love his bright smile, his love of reading, his fascination with Legos, and the way he took his job as a big brother and uncle seriously,” the fundraiser said.

The goal is to raise $75,000 to help the family with funeral and other costs. As of Tuesday, over $29,000 was raised.

To contribute to the fundraiser, click here.

In a message to the school community, Superintendent Mark Daniels the community was heartbroken by the news.

"This is deeply heartbreaking news and our thoughts and prayers go out to this student’s family and friends," Daniels said. "They have unexpectedly and prematurely lost someone they love and they will need our continued support during the days and weeks ahead."

An investigation conducted by the Hightstown Police Department and Mercer County Prosecutor’s Officer-Serious Collision Response Team revealed that the boy was struck while crossing the roadway as the driver, Kathryn Wagner, of East Windsor, made a left turn from Mercer Street onto West Ward Street.

Wagner remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation, police said. She was later issued a traffic summons for careless driving.

Any witnesses to this incident are encouraged to contact Sgt. Miller or Detective Mecca at the Hightstown Police Department.

(With reporting from Nicole Rosenthal, Patch Staff)

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