West Caldwell Crash Killed Single Mother, Fundraiser Started For Son

Caldwell, NJ – They’re halfway there, Maria.

As of Tuesday, a fundraiser for the family of an Essex County woman recently killed in a tragic, five-car crash has garnered more than $25,000 out of its $50,000 goal, organizers reported.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Maria Tauro, 33, of Caldwell, died after suffering injuries in a five-car crash near Passaic and Fairfield Avenues in West Caldwell on July 1.

Police stated that the crash took place when a vehicle struck other cars that were stopped at a traffic light.

• See related article: Caldwell Woman Dies In 5-Car Crash, Cop Injured

Tauro left behind an 11-year-old son, the fundraiser’s organizers stated.

“Maria was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and above all things a single mother,” organizers wrote. “She did whatever she had to, to make sure Nicholas had an amazing life. On the day of her death, the family found a packed bag with bathing suites; after work she had planned to take Nicholas tubing. She never allowed him to feel less than or not loved due to unfortunate life circumstances… Maria had one of the most positive attitudes. If you knew her, you knew that big, loud laugh that could cheer anyone up.”

The fundraiser states:

“Although Maria would never allow her family to start a GoFundMe for herself, we all know that if it were to help Nicholas, she would do whatever she had to, to ensure he had a positive future. All proceeds will be placed in a private account for Nicholas. We all want to make sure Nicholas has the opportunity to succeed in life, regardless of any unfortunate events that try to prevent that.”

View the online fundraising campaign here.

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