TOMS RIVER – A Toms River family is facing unimaginable grief just days before Christmas after a young man was killed in a violent crash on the Garden State Parkway early Sunday morning.
20-year-old Brian Fort was killed when his vehicle ran off the northbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway and overturned in Lacey Township, New Jersey State Police said.
The crash occurred shortly after 6:05 a.m. Dec. 21 at milepost 73.2, according to State Police Trooper Sgt. Charles Marchan. Fort was driving a northbound Infiniti passenger car with 22-year-old Errol Jeffrey of Long Branch in the front passenger seat when the vehicle left the roadway to the right, traveled down an embankment, struck multiple trees and overturned.
Both Fort and Jeffrey were ejected from the vehicle. Fort was pronounced dead at the scene. Jeffrey suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, police said.
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority reported the crash at approximately 6:12 a.m., prompting a large emergency response. The right shoulder of the parkway remained closed for an extended period as state troopers, firefighters and emergency medical crews worked at the scene. Traffic slowed significantly through the area during the early morning hours.
The cause of the crash has not yet been released, and the incident remains under investigation, authorities said.
As the family struggles to cope with the sudden loss, a fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. Fort’s sister, Cecilia Fort, told Jersey Shore Online that the tragedy has left the family reeling.
“We are still in shock,” she said. “Brian was taken from us far too soon, and the outpouring of love and support from the community has meant more to us than we can put into words.”
Loved ones described Fort as a bright presence who brought warmth, laughter and kindness wherever he went. Family members said he was deeply devoted to those closest to him and had a way of making people feel seen, supported and cared for. Among friends, he was known as dependable and genuine — someone who showed up without hesitation and gave freely of himself.
Though his life was cut short, his family said his spirit and the impact he made will endure through the memories he leaves behind and the lives he touched. As arrangements are made to honor his life, they said the community’s compassion has provided comfort during one of the darkest moments they have ever faced.
The fundraiser notes that donations will go directly toward funeral and memorial costs, helping the family give Fort the farewell they say he deserves.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/honoring-brian-forts-bright-spirit.
