Community Corner
Fundraiser To Pay For Funeral Expenses Of Lawrence Teen Killed In Crash
Daijah McKithen's family are raising funds to cover funeral expenses and therapy. The high school student was killed in a crash June 1.
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The family members of the Lawrence teen who was killed in a crash last week, have started a fundraiser to pay for her funeral expenses.
Daijah McKithen, 18, was just a few weeks away from celebrating her graduation from high school on June 22, when she was killed in the crash. More: Lawrence High School Teen Killed In Crash Was Set To Graduate June 22
Her sister, Shadae McKithen, has started a GoFundMe to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
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Shadae described Daijah as an "amazing person” who "meant the world" to her family.
“Her passing has left a massive hole in our hearts, and we want to give her the best send-off possible. The funds raised will cover any funeral expenses associated with her passing and therapy for the family. We appreciate any help you can give us during this difficult time,” Shadae said on GoFundMe.
Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Around 12:17 p.m. on June 1, police responded to the area of Brunswick Pike (Route 1) and Franklin Corner Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash.
The sedan that Daijah was driving and a dump truck collided and crashed into a gas pump at the nearby Shell station. Daijah was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. More: Lawrence Teen Killed In Crash Involving Dump Truck: Police
The truck driver, Suleyman Durdu, 28 from Bordentown, sustained moderate non-life-threatening injuries.
According to police, Daijah made an abrupt left turn towards Franklin Corner Road across several lanes of traffic.
As she attempted to cross the highway, the dump truck traveling southbound struck the sedan on the southbound side of the highway, authorities said. More: Lawrence Teen Made Improper Left Turn, Leading To Fatal Crash: Police
On June 2, Daijah’s peers, staff and parents gathered in front of her parking spot in school, filling it with flowers, candles and messages.
“Daijah had a contagious smile that could light up any room and a laugh that could make anyone feel better. She was loved by many and will be missed dearly,” Shadae said.
As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe raised $12,360 of the original goal of $15,000.
To contribute to the fundraiser, click here.
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