A tragic incident unfolded on Monday afternoon in Woodland Park, New Jersey, as the community mourned the loss of 14-year-old Nicola Colangelo, a freshman at Passaic Valley Regional High School. Nicola was struck by a Mercedes SUV while riding his bicycle near the intersection of Rose Place and McBride Avenue. The accident occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m., leaving the young teen with fatal injuries. Despite the efforts of first responders, Nicola was pronounced dead shortly after the crash.
Nicola, a lifelong resident of Woodland Park, was known for his infectious smile, sense of humor, and vibrant spirit. He had a way of lighting up any room he entered, always quick with a laugh and eager to make others feel at ease. As a student at Passaic Valley Regional High School, Nicola had already made a name for himself with his positive attitude and determination. Outside of school, he was active in the community, participating in Woodland Park’s summer camps and playing in travel basketball and football leagues. His enthusiasm for sports and his camaraderie with teammates was just one of the many ways he made an impact on those around him.
Mayor Tracy Kallert and the Woodland Park Borough Council offered their heartfelt condolences to Nicola’s family, expressing the community’s deep sorrow at the loss of one of their own. In a statement, the officials remarked, “Nicola was one of us. He brought joy to everyone around him.” They emphasized how his extraordinary ability to make people smile and brighten their day left a lasting impression. The accident has shaken the town, and those who knew Nicola are struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a young, vibrant life.
As the oldest of three siblings, Nicola’s passing has left a void in his family, who are now leaning on the support of their community during this incredibly difficult time. Nicola’s family, who had watched him grow into the young man he was becoming, are devastated by the unexpected loss, as are his friends and peers at school. Many have shared stories of Nicola’s compassion, his sense of humor, and his unwavering ability to spread positivity wherever he went. His death is a reminder of how fragile life is, and the pain of losing someone so young is profound.
School officials at Passaic Valley Regional High School also expressed their sorrow. Superintendent Dr. Bracken Healy released a statement on behalf of the school district, offering their condolences to the Colangelo family. He emphasized that the district’s crisis management team would be available for students and staff in need of emotional and mental health support. “We are saddened by this loss, and we will remain committed to ensuring our students have the support they need,” Dr. Healy said. The school community has rallied together, offering support to Nicola’s friends, classmates, and teachers who are grappling with the tragedy.
The accident occurred when Nicola was riding his bicycle between traffic lanes and collided with the rear passenger door of a 2023 Mercedes Benz. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, and authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. As of now, the driver has not been charged, and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward.
While the investigation continues, the focus of the community is on remembering Nicola and honoring the memory of a young man whose life was taken far too soon. Local officials have pledged to continue supporting the Colangelo family and to ensure that Nicola’s legacy lives on through the kindness, laughter, and joy he shared with everyone he met. The impact of his death has been felt deeply in Woodland Park, where he was known not just for his academic and athletic pursuits but also for his presence in the community.
Nicola’s family, friends, and the entire Woodland Park community are left to grapple with the heartbreak of losing such a vibrant young life. However, they are finding solace in the memories he leaves behind. His legacy is one of joy, laughter, and the ability to bring people together. As his family and the community move forward in their grief, they are committed to remembering Nicola’s warmth, kindness, and the joy he brought into their lives.
A memorial for Nicola will be organized in the coming days to give friends, family, and members of the community an opportunity to honor his life and share their memories of him. During this time of mourning, those who knew Nicola will reflect on the ways he touched their lives and express their gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing him.
The community of Woodland Park has rallied together in response to this tragedy, offering their love, support, and condolences to the Colangelo family. The outpouring of support serves as a reminder of the tight-knit nature of this small town, where people come together in times of hardship to offer comfort and healing.
As the investigation into the accident continues, authorities remain focused on understanding the circumstances that led to Nicola’s death. However, in the wake of this heartbreaking loss, it is important to remember the vibrant young man who was taken far too soon. Nicola Colangelo’s life was one filled with promise, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him. While his passing is a painful reminder of how precious life is, his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched.
Rest in peace, Nicola Colangelo. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Your memory will live on in the lives of those who loved you, and the joy you brought to everyone around you will continue to shine brightly.
