Union Boy Killed In Crash Gives Gift Of Life, Donates Organs

UNION, NJ — Beloved 12-year-old Jeremy Maraj's memory will live on. His organs were donated to other children after he was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Union Township last week.

"... Jeremy gave the gift of life to other children by donating organs to those in desperate need. This wonderful act has turned what is a tragedy to those who knew and loved Jeremy into a blessing for others. God bless you Jeremy and family,"said Tom Ehrhardt, Jeremy's neighbor who created a GoFundMe page in his memory.

The organ donation was made through the NJ Sharing Network in New Providence. Funeral arrangements for Maraj have yet to be finalized.

• See Related: Boy, 12, Dies After Hit-And-Run In Union, Fundraiser Started

Maraj was on his way home from Irene Hoppe Park when he was hit by a white commercial vanwhile crossing Galloping Hill Road in Union just before 8 p.m. on July 17, according to the GoFundMe page.

The van hit Maraj in front of 296 Galloping Hill Road, did not stop and kept driving north on the roadway, police said.

Maraj was rushed to University Hospital in Newark with life-threatening injuries. He later died from his injuries on Friday morning, Ruotolo said.

The van was later found by authorities in Union along with the driver, Union Police said.

The tragic crash is now being investigated as a vehicular homicide by the Union County Homicide Task Force and Union Police Department.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Task Force Detective Sean Holcomb at 908-358-8377 or Union Police Officer Michael Salerno at 908-851-5070.

The Union County Crime Stoppers also are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case; tips can be given anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org.

For more information on the fundraiser or to make a donation visit gofundme.com/f/jeremy-maraj.

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