Caryn Coon Obituary: TCNJ Student Dies in New Jersey Parkway Crash

Caryn Coon, a 22-year-old student at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), has died following a fatal crash on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River, New Jersey. Her sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, university classmates and members of her sorority.

Coon, who lived in the Forked River section of Lacey Township, was one of two women killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Saturday night, October 24, 2026. News of her death has left the college community mourning the loss of a young woman remembered for her energetic personality, kindness and ability to bring happiness to those around her.

Caryn Coon Dies in Garden State Parkway Crash

According to reports citing New Jersey State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. near the Toms River toll plaza on the Garden State Parkway.

Investigators said a Genesis vehicle had broken down in the northbound center lane, with a tractor-trailer stopped behind it. Coon was driving a Honda sedan when her vehicle struck the back of the truck before leaving the right side of the highway and descending an embankment.

A Ford SUV also collided with the truck. Its passenger, identified as Lauren J. Maturo, 32, of Syosset, New York, was the second fatality.

Authorities identified Coon and Maturo as the two women who died following the collision. The incident has drawn attention to the dangers posed by disabled vehicles and unexpected obstructions on busy highways.

TCNJ Community Pays Tribute to Caryn Coon

Coon was studying kinesiology and health sciences at The College of New Jersey, where she was also pursuing interests connected to public health. According to university president Michael Bernstein, she had earned a place on the dean’s list during the spring semester.

She was also a legacy member of the TCNJ community, following in the footsteps of her mother, Jeanne Coon-Bogath, who graduated from the institution in 1997.

Beyond her academic achievements, Coon was a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. Members of the organization remembered her as someone who brought love, laughter and positivity into the lives of those around her.

Tributes highlighted her warm personality and her ability to comfort friends during difficult moments. Her loss has been particularly painful for classmates and sorority sisters who shared important experiences and memories with her during college.

Fundraiser Launched to Support Caryn Coon’s Family

As her family and friends cope with the sudden loss, a fundraising campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses, wake arrangements and other immediate financial needs.

The campaign was organized by her friend Jillian Bonavia on behalf of Coon’s family. Its message describes her death as unexpected and heartbreaking, emphasizing the lasting memories she created with the people who knew and loved her.

The fundraiser has also provided an opportunity for friends, classmates and members of the wider community to offer practical support during an exceptionally difficult time.

Remembering Caryn Coon

Caryn Coon’s death has cut short the life of a young woman pursuing her education and building relationships that mattered deeply to her. Her academic accomplishments, involvement in campus life and the affection expressed by those who knew her form an important part of her story.

As the TCNJ community remembers Coon, her family and friends are left to navigate the grief of an unexpected loss. The tributes shared following her death reflect the impact she had on the people around her and the memories that will continue to connect them to her.