Montgomery HS Grad Dies 3 Days Before 21st Birthday, Celebration Of Life Planned

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Family and friends of 20-year-old Collin James Diggan of Montgomery are mourning his unexpected death and hoping to spread awareness about his struggles to help others.

Collin died on Feb. 19, 2026, three days before his 21st birthday.

He was born in Princeton and was an integral part of a large family that jokingly referred to themselves as "Team Diggan," according to an obituary shared by his mother Mary (Dagostino).

"Over the last few years, Collin faced depression with the same quiet determination that defined so much of his life. He chose to end his struggle by jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia," according to the obituary.

"Even in death, Collin worried about his family and friends, assuring them that they would all be there to support one another and continue a legacy of friendship and love. His family hopes that his memory encourages open conversations, compassion, and support for those facing similar struggles," according to the obituary.

Collin, a Montgomery High School graduate, was a mechanical engineering student at Virginia Tech.

While in college, he achieved the Dean's list and discovered a new passion through the Formula SAE Team.

"Collin came into the Ware Lab every day with a smile and energy that lit up the entire place. Team members will always remember him by his positive can-do attitude, uplifting spirit, and unforgettable laugh. Collin truly left a lasting impact on this team that inspires us all to continuously improve, always aiming to be our best selves," according to vtmotorsports.org.

Growing up Collin, started playing flag football in elementary school and eventually began a career as a league referee for Central Jersey Flag in Montgomery.

"Collin came to the field each week with grit and determination as a young player, and then as he grew older transitioned to a supportive and encouraging coach and a confident and steadfast referee," said Central Jersey Flag Commissioner Matt Rosenthal. "I will forever remember Collin as a kind, generous, and caring young adult with a smile that lit up the field and who will be loved and missed by many."

Along with his mother Mary, Collin is survived by his father, Tony Diggan, and his siblings, Isabella (“Izzy”), Sophia, and Aidan Diggan.

A Mass to celebrate the life of Collin James Diggan will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Skillman, on Saturday, June 6, at 10:30 a.m. Those in attendance are welcome to join the family for light refreshments at the church following the service. Family and friends are also welcome to continue celebrating his life at the Diggan home that afternoon.

In honor of Collin, his family is supporting two initiatives that reflect both his passion and a broader need:

• Virginia Tech Motorsports Formula SAE -The team and community that meant so much to Collin. Donate - vtmotorsports.org/donate
• US Center for Mental Health and Support - which focuses on promoting mental health in athletes with an initiative to bring programs to high schools. Donate -mentalhealthandsport.org/donations/usc-mhs01

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