Candlelight Vigil In Honor Of 14-Year-Old To Be Held In Manville

MANVILLE, NJ — A candlelight vigil will be held on Wednesday night in honor of a 14-year-old Manville boy who died after being hit by a pickup truck as he crossed North Main Street.

The vigil will be held at 6 p.m. at the location of the tragic crash.

The crash happened around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 on North Main Street, between Knopf Street and Dukes Parkway in Manville. Read More: 14-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Hit By Pickup Truck In Manville

The boy was crossing the street from the west side of the street, towards the Marketplace Mall Parking lot when he was hit, said police.

The boy was identified as George Watkins, said Manville Police.

"George was a Manville High School freshman and an accomplished athlete. He was on the school basketball team and was looking forward to playing on the baseball team in the spring. George played for the middle school champion baseball team last year. Additionally, George participated in wrestling. George aspired to be a police officer and acted as a mentor to younger children in the Plainfield Junior Police Academy," said police.

Mourners took to social media to share their condolences for George who had recently graduated Alexander Batcho Intermediate School this year and was freshman at Manville High School.

"Rest In Peace George, we are so heartbroken I can’t begin to describe what my family and I feel at this moment this feels like a nightmare you are too young to go little man we are going to miss you so much!" wrote one family.

"Rest in peace George, you were one of the good ones. I enjoyed walking into any classroom that you were in!" wrote another teacher. "Please hug your kids tight. My heart breaks for this family that lost such a great young man."

"Many of my friend's kids were close to him and everyone is devastated! Everyone who knew George you are in my thoughts and prayer!!!!" wrote Geneva Molina.

A request for comment from the Manville School District was not immediately returned.

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