Scholarship Created In Memory Of Teaneck Woman Killed In Crash

TEANECK, NJ — Kaitlyn Trinidad was loving, caring, and someone who put everything she had into everything she did.

She was an exceptional student who hoped to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a nurse. She was a leader and a role model at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx.

Trinidad's life, that of her three sisters, Danna and twins Melissa and Allison, and their father, Audie, 61, ended July 6 when a driver crashed into their minivan on Route 1 in Delaware. Trinidad was killed instantly. The family lived in Teaneck.

Trinidad's friends started a scholarship at the college in her name so that future students who embody the values and dedication that she demonstrated can realize their dreams.

"Kat could always make you smile,” said Danielle Carlin, who was friends with Trinidad since her freshman year. "Right from the start, she recalled, Kaitlyn was vivacious and encouraging—she wanted everyone around her to succeed."

The college's president Charles Flynn Jr., the Campus Ministry, Students Affairs, and Development departments supported creating the Kaitlyn Trinidad Memorial Scholarship.

Local students and others are donating funds to reach a goal of $100,000 for the scholarship. Nearly $15,000 has been donated since the campaign started.

Various clubs, student organizations, athletic teams, and individuals are selling wristbands, planning a talent show, writing letters to alumni, organizing fundraising events, and driving donors to an online donation page. Trinidad’s dance troupe, Filiment, is also planning to perform at the college's homecoming weekend, hoping to spread the word even further.

“Mount students are amazing,” said Kelli Bodrato, dean of students. “They felt strongly that the scholarship should honor academic achievement. Even in their grief, they were thinking ahead, which I find extraordinary in a group of people so young. They really stepped up, sharing ideas for how to raise money and honor Kaitlyn.”

Another one of Trinidad's friends said the hours that she spent with her were filled with laughter and joy.

"I think that's how we should all remember her," said Caroline Bandigan. "Someone who gave her all even when she ran on empty, who never held back a laugh, and who loved wholeheartedly without boundary."

Trinidad's father, Audie grew up in the Philippines and came to the United States in 1987 when he enlisted in the Navy. He served for seven years, according to The Record.

"When they died, part of me died. Justice will not bring them back, but we will be in a safer place. I know Audie is with them and he will take care of my girls. I miss them so much," Ballocoanag said a few weeks after the crash. "Now that they are all gone I have nothing to look forward to but justice for them."

Alvin S. Hubbard was driving a pickup truck on Route 1 when it crossed over a 60-foot wide center median "for unknown reasons," headed south in the northbound lanes, and crashed into the family's minivan, Delaware State Police said during a press conference shortly after the crash. (See related: Wrong-Way Driver ID'd In Delaware Crash Where 5 In NJ Family Died)

Mary Rose Ballocanag, 56, was the only member of the family to survive the crash. (See related: Grieving, Love For NJ Dad, 4 Daughters Killed In Delaware Crash)

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Audie Marquez Trinidad, 61, center, and Mary Rose Ballocanag, second from left, and their daughters, Kaitlyn, 20, Danna, 17, and 13-year-old twins, Melissa and Allison. (Courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch)