VINELAND, NJ. (THECOUNT) — Addiel Ortiz, 31, a corrections officer from Vineland, and a 9-year-old boy identified by the initials E.B., tragically died in a two-vehicle crash on Thursday, September 12, according to a news release from the Vineland Police Department.
The fatal crash occurred around 5:53 p.m. on Maple Avenue near Becker Drive. Authorities say Ortiz was riding his Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle eastbound on Maple Avenue when a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, traveling westbound, made a left turn into the Joseph E. Romano Sports Complex, resulting in a devastating collision.
|
Advertisement |
Ortiz, who was on the motorcycle, and E.B., who was sitting in the back seat of the SUV, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 42-year-old woman from Ocean View, was not injured in the crash, police confirmed.
A Dedicated Public Servant and Family Man:
Ortiz served as a senior correctional police officer at Bayside State Prison in Maurice River Township. According to a GoFundMe page established in his honor, he had worked as an officer since June 2014, previously serving at the now-closed Southern State Correctional Facility. The page describes him as a dedicated public servant who took pride in his work, as well as a beloved father and fiancé.
Via GoFundMe:
Please help us in aiding the Ortiz family raise money due to the tragic and sudden loss of Addiel Ortiz. Addiel gave back to his community by donating his time as a youth football coach with the Vineland Blitz organization for four years. He served as a state correction police officer for over 10 years at Southern state Correctional Facility and Bayside State Prison. Addiel leaves behind his fiancé Destiny and 4 children, Cameron , Bella , Jenna and Avery.
Ortiz leaves behind his fiancé and four children, according to friends and family. In addition to his career, Ortiz was a dedicated member of his community, having coached youth football for the Vineland Blitz for four years. His commitment to guiding young athletes was well-known, and his tragic death has left a void in the local football community.
Outpouring of Support:
The GoFundMe page set up to support Ortiz’s family has garnered significant attention, raising more than $20,700 from over 225 donations as of Friday, September 13. The page highlights the love and respect that Ortiz garnered from those around him and offers a way for friends, family, and the community to support his grieving loved ones during this difficult time.
“We will forever honor the life and service of BSP Senior Correctional Police Officer Addiel Ortiz, who tragically lost his life in this accident. He was an incredible father, friend, coach, and mentor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the family of the young boy who also lost his life in this tragedy,” the page reads.
Ongoing Investigation:
The Vineland Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Individuals with knowledge of the crash are encouraged to contact Vineland police at 856-691-4111, ext. 4698.
This tragic accident has left the community in mourning, as it deals with the loss of two lives taken too soon.
Vineland is a city and the most populous municipality in Cumberland County, within the U.S. state of New Jersey.
DEVELOPING::