NJ Little League Coach Dies Week After Cancer Diagnosis
A New Jersey community is mourning the loss of a father, coach, and mentor who died just days after a sudden cancer diagnosis.
Christopher (Chris) Woolis, 47, of Elmwood Park, was diagnosed with cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and passed away only seven days later, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, according to Elmwood Park Little League President Steven Kochlick.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our dear friend and Vice President of Elmwood Park Little League, Chris Woolis,” Kochlick wrote in a statement to the community. “Chris served on the Board for …
Hit-And-Run Leaves Montauk Cyclist In ICU; Family Launches Fundraiser
A Long Island man known for his kindness and passion for cycling is fighting to recover after a hit-and-run crash left him critically injured.
Kyle Briand, of Montauk, was riding his bike on the night of Sunday, Aug. 10, when he was struck by a driver who fled the scene, his sister Amanda Corwin wrote on a GoFundMe page.
The cyclist was rushed by ambulance to Amagansett, where he was met by a medevac and flown to Stony Brook Hospital’s Trauma Center. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
Briand sustained a severe head injury, a broken arm, fractured orbital bone, concussion, stitches abov…
Skateboarder Killed In Barnegat Crash ID'd As 36-Year-Old Man
Dave Gomez, Jr. a 36-year-old Barnegat man was killed on Monday, Sept. 15, after he was struck by a vehicle, authorities said.
At 1 a.m., the driver of a 2025 Honda Pilot told officers he struck a man who was lying in the roadway, Barnegat police said. Gomez, who was riding an electric skateboard, was ejected from the skateboard and found lying on West Bay Avenue near Sandpiper Road, police said.
Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. A fundraiser has been established to assist Gomez's family following his passing.
As of Thursday, Sept. 18, more than $8,000 has been raised.
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Longtime Beacon EMT, Domestic Violence Advocate Faces Cancer Battle: Community Stepping Up
The Dutchess County community is rallying around a longtime EMT and volunteer leader who is now facing a devastating cancer diagnosis.
Deborah Cortes, a dedicated first responder and community organizer from Beacon, was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Cortes, a proud mother and spouse, has worked in healthcare for nearly 30 years and served as an EMT across multiple agencies, including Empress Ambulance, Vassar College EMS, and, most recently, Marbletown First Aid.
For 17 years, she has also volunteered with the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where…
‘Heartbroken And Struggling’: Maryland Family Mourns Kenneth Spaulding After Life Cut Short
A Maryland community is in mourning after the life of Kenneth Spaulding was cut tragically short, leaving behind a young son, his family, and countless loved ones struggling with the loss.
The Maryland man’s passing on Saturday, Sept. 13, has sparked an outpouring of grief, with friends and family sharing memories of a father, son, brother, and friend whose presence touched everyone he knew.
“Kenneth was a son, a brother, a father, and a friend whose light touched everyone who knew him. His passing has left our family heartbroken and struggling to process this unimaginable loss,” his loved …
Teen Daughter Killed When PA Dad Explodes House: Police
A Pennsylvania father is accused of setting a fire that caused a house explosion, killing his 19-year-old daughter and injuring his wife and a volunteer firefighter, Allegheny County Police announced.
Brian Jeffrey Shelleby, 46, of Castle Shannon, has been charged with criminal homicide, aggravated arson, and causing or risking a catastrophe following the deadly fire on the 800 block of Corbett Drive, according to police.
First responders were dispatched shortly before 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, and found the home fully engulfed in flames. Inside, firefighters discovered Lakyn Shelleby, 1…
Brick Dad, 36, Dies Suddenly, Leaves Pregnant Wife, Young Son
The Brick Township community is mourning the sudden loss of local dad Matthew Michael Matera, who died unexpectedly at his home on Sept. 10, according to his obituary from the Weatherhead Young Funeral Home. He was 36.
Matera was born in Point Pleasant and spent his childhood in Cape Coral, FL, before returning to New Jersey, where he built a life with his wife, Jen, according to his obituary. Together, they were raising their 2½-year-old son, Matthew James “MJ,” and were expecting their second son this November, his obituary reads.
Matera owned Triple M. Motors in Point Pleasant, wher…
