Bergen County Teen's Death An 'Immeasurable Loss' In Dumont

DUMONT, NJ — Dumont Mayor Andrew LaBruno was among many in the community struggling to find the words to describe the death of Aaron Vasquez, 14.

"Yesterday, our community suffered an immeasurable loss upon the tragic passing of one of our young residents," said LaBruno.

"Our hearts + prayers are with the child's family + friends as they navigate the unimaginable pain of losing a child."

Vasquez, reports say, had just finished a baseball practice at a local elementary school on Saturday when he decided to stick around and join a basketball game. The teenager collapsed during the course of the game, and was later pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Quickly, community members spread the word about a fundraiser for the Vasquez family. It has already surpassed the $20,000 goal, raising more than $40,000 in under 24 hours.

A message was shared from the Vasquez family on the fundraiser. It read:

"With a heavy and broken heart we share the tragic and unexpected loss of our beloved Aaron Vasquez. Aaron was a 14 year old son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend with a bright future ahead of him. As a student and athlete he aspired to become a baseball player or baseball coach for the Major Leagues. He loved God, his family, his church, town and school. Aaron was a sweet, loving old soul who wore his heart on his sleeve and approached people with a unique sweetness and tenderness. In honor of Aaron, please consider helping the Vasquez family during this extremely difficult time. This is a time that no parent or child should have to go through and as a community we can help pull together to hold this family up. We will never be able to say or do anything to take away their pain, in that aspect we are all helpless. However, we can pull together to help take away pressures that we do not want them to have to think about and that is the financial burdens that are felt during these times. Please pray for all that are involved and hold them in your hearts."

A Meal Train has also been set up for the family, which can be found here.

According to the organizer of the fundraiser, Dawn Drescher, the family has not released information about Vasquez's services. "If there will be a public service, information will be updated on this page, as well as, on Facebook," Drescher said.