A tragic incident occurred on October 3 at a farm in New Jersey, claiming the life of a two-year-old boy named James Dabin Gabriel and leaving his grandmother injured. The unfortunate event unfolded in the parking area of Bullock Farms and Screamin’ Hill Brewery in Cream Ridge, Upper Freehold Township, during a family outing to pick pumpkins.
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According to reports from New Jersey State Police, the collision happened at approximately 11:07 a.m. when a driver of a Chrysler SUV allegedly reversed out of a parking space, striking both James and his grandmother, Ellen Gabriel. While James succumbed to his injuries at the scene, his grandmother was urgently transported to Jersey Shore Medical Centre for treatment.
In the wake of this tragic event, the family has initiated a fundraising campaign to cover the costs associated with memorial services for the young boy. They are also considering legal action as they come to terms with the devastating loss. The details surrounding the involvement of the driver remain unclear, as they have yet to be publicly identified, and it is still uncertain whether any criminal charges will be brought forth as investigations continue.
The staff at Bullock Farms have been offered counselling services following the incident, highlighting the community’s sorrow over the matter. James’ father, Robert Gabriel, expressed the family’s devastation in an interview. “He was as healthy as could be. He was as happy as could be. We were going there to have a good day. Pumpkin picking and then coming back to my house and watching football,” he told local media.
An obituary for James painted a heartwarming picture of the child, describing him as possessing “a beautiful smile that could brighten any room” and a personality that belied his young age. The family reflected on the joy and love James brought to their lives and expressed their grief over his untimely passing. James was also noted as a proud older brother to his baby sister, Evelyn, who shared a birthday with him, albeit two years apart.
Upper Freehold Township’s Mayor, Stanley Moslowski, shared his sentiments with local news outlets, describing the community’s heartbreak over the loss. He noted that the town had never experienced such a tragedy before, emphasising the irony of a day meant for joy turning into one of sorrow.
The family’s GoFundMe campaign, intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens arising from this tragedy, describes James as a curious and energetic toddler who adored characters from his favourite cartoon series, Bluey. It also highlights his fondness for assisting his father with projects around their home and enjoying his mother’s homemade dumplings.
The fundraising initiative aims to cover expenses related to the funeral, as well as legal costs tied to the ongoing situation. The description of the campaign reiterates the family’s hope to find a meaningful way to honour James’s memory, emphasising how deeply loved he was and the void left by his passing.
Local responses have poured in, each reflecting a profound sense of loss felt by the community. Residents have rallied around the family during this difficult time, demonstrating the strength of communal support in the face of tragedy.
As investigations continue surrounding the circumstances of the accident, the family mourns the loss of their beloved James, a child who, though he lived for only a short time, left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.