COVID, Protest Marches: South Brunswick’s Top Stories in 2020

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Many would not want to relive 2020. Like the rest of the country, South Brunswick’s year was shaped by the pandemic and the effects of the shutdown. The town saw death, tragedy and job losses. Patch is looking back at a year one will never forget.

Here’s are some of the top stories from South Brunswick in 2020.

Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home'

In March, Gov. Phil Murphy announced stay-at-home orders, after state COVID cases rose to 1,327. He did not provide any date for reopening. The order provided for certain exceptions, such as obtaining essential goods or services, seeking medical attention, visiting family or close friends, reporting to work or engaging in outdoor activities.

South Brunswick Schools Close To Avoid COVID-19 Spread

South Brunswick schools closed March 12 and 13 after two South Brunswick residents attended a party where multiple people were exposed to COVID-19. The town took precautionary measures and closed the South Brunswick Senior Center.

Hundreds Attend Protest March In South Brunswick

In June, around 500 people participated in a march in South Brunswick, protesting police brutality after the killing of George Floyd. The march began at Crossroads North Middle School, taking them to Georges Road to Rt. 522 to Kingston Lane and back to Crossroads North Middle School. A second march took place a week later, organized by Essence Baker and Jada-Rae Poku, residents of the township and graduates of South Brunswick High School. Around 1,000 people attended the march, but three people were injured when a deer ran into the crowd of marchers. A 69-year-old woman had to be transported to an area hospital after sustaining a head injury.

Teen Killed By SUV While Crossing Route 1

Angelica Rivera, 14, was killed in October while trying to cross Route 1. Riviera, a student at South Brunswick school district, had climbed over the center divider to cross the road and was hit by an SUV. She was pronounced dead at the scene. After Riviera’s death, the South Brunswick Police Department launched new measures to curb pedestrian accidents.

Woman Killed On Rt. 1, Community Steps In To Help Son

On Dec. 15, just as the nor’easter was rolling in, a 68-year-old woman was struck and killed when she tried crossing Route. 1 at Deans Lane. Deborah Smick and her son George were homeless and had been living in their Ford Explorer after being evicted from their North Brunswick home in February. Their Ford Explorer had become disabled in the Wendy's Restaurant parking lot on Route. 1. She called a North Brunswick tow company who had picked up her vehicle, and was bringing it across the highway to a gas station. Deborah was struck while trying to cross Route 1. It was yet another tragic moment in a series of hardships for George and Deborah. But it was also a moment where George witnessed the goodness of others. When Deborah was struck, several motorists stopped to help her, including a doctor and EMS. She was pronounced dead at the scene. George had no place to go, so South Brunswick police and local officials stepped in. They arranged for him to live at a local hotel for two weeks. Then the South Brunswick community came together to help him. They started a GoFundMe campaign for George, and within a week, found permanent housing for him.