Gloucester Township Woman Killed In South Jersey Crash: Police

PITTSGROVE TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Blackwood woman was killed Wednesday in a Salem County crash, police said. Kayla Dowling, 26, was a proud mother and former teacher who left an impact on all who knew her, according to her obituary.

Alize Fernandez, of Camden, also sustained "serious" injuries from the collision, according to State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan. Fernandez's condition wasn't immediately clear.

Dowling and Fernandez were both inside a Kia passenger vehicle that collided with a dump truck at 5:32 a.m. in Pittsgrove Township, according to State Police.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Kia, driven by Fernandez, was traveling northbound on Route 553 (Centerton Road), while a Kenworth dump truck was moving westbound on Route 674 (Garden Road), police said. Upon approaching the intersection, the truck collided with the Kia, according to Marchan.

The crash remains under investigation.

As a teacher at Without Walls Child Care Center, Dowling "showcased her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds" with an extraordinary ability to connect with children and make learning joyful, according to her obituary. She later worked at Wawa, where all her coworkers and customers embraced her outgoing personality.

Dowling achieved great success both academically and socially while attending Woodbury High School. She led the cheer squad with "unwavering enthusiasm" and was later crowned prom queen, her obituary says.

Her proudest accomplishment was becoming a mother to her daughter Elliana, instilling in her daughter the same zest for life that she possessed.

"Kayla's exuberant personality added color and life to every gathering she attended," her obituary says. "Bubbly, outgoing, and friendly describe just a fraction of who she was as a person. She effortlessly captivated any room she entered with her infectious laughter and sparkling personality. Kayla was often hailed as the life of the party—a true embodiment of living in the moment without fear of judgment or inhibition."

View Kayla Dowling's full obituary here.