He 'Made Life Brighter': Community Rallies Around Family Of NJ Man Killed In Crash

WALL, NJ — The local community is rallying around the family of a Neptune man who died following a vehicle-versus-scooter crash on Memorial Day.

Gregory Kautz, 47, of Neptune, was identified as the victim of the fatal crash that took place on the evening of Memorial Day at the intersection of Route 35 and Belmar Blvd.

According to a preliminary investigation into the incident, a woman was going south in the right lane of Route 35 when her vehicle struck Kautz, who was driving a 2022 Buddy Kick 125 Scooter and trying to turn left onto Route 35.

The collision propelled him onto the southern part of the road.

After being rushed to a local hospital, he was pronounced deceased at 6:50 p.m.

Following the fatal crash, an online fundraiser (which can be found here) was started to support Kautz’s wife, Caroline, as well as funeral expenses.

According to the GoFundMe page, Caroline witnessed the crash and “watched her whole world taken from her in an instant.”

The fund organizer went on to describe Gregory as the kind of person who made life brighter simply by being in it.

“Anyone who knew Gregg knew his loyalty, his humor, and his ability to make people feel loved,” the fundraiser reads. “His loss has left an unimaginable void in the lives of those who loved him most, especially Caroline, who is now facing not only profound grief, but the overwhelming financial burdens that come with such an unexpected tragedy.”

Donations to the fundraiser will help ease funeral expenses for Kautz and provide stability for his wife as she navigates life without her husband and best friend, the organizer said.

The fundraiser has a goal of $40,000. As of Monday afternoon, $25,430 has been raised.

“If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Caroline and the Kautz family in your thoughts and prayers." the fundraiser reads. "Thank you to everyone who has already donated."

“Thank you for helping us honor Gregg’s life, memory, and the love he gave so freely.”

Anyone with information regarding this crash is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Aaron Lay at 732-431-7160 ext. 7169 or Wall Township Police Department Patrolman Trent Powers at 732-449-4850, ext. 1223.

Previous Coverage

• Memorial Day Crash Kills NJ Man