Friends and family signed a banner in memory of Terry Nathaniel Haupt Jr. at Count Basie Park Saturday. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Friends and family gathered for a photo at the 50-yard line of the Count Basie Park football field at the Celebration of Life for Terry Haupt. Jr. (Photo by Brian Donohue)
Saturday’s gathering, organized by Red Bank AYF, started as a small idea that quickly grew into a large gathering – a testament, organizers said, to the life of a popular youth with an effervescent personality.
Red Bank American Youth Football President Alan Soden Jr. said Haupt’s mother “wanted to be together with everybody,” and contacted the organization to see if the field was available.
In 24 hours, the Celebration of Life “quickly spiraled into a huge event,” Soden said. Local businesses donated food, a DJ loaned services, and volunteers sprang into action.
Haupt was a sophomore at Red Bank Regional High School and a member of the track team. He played for the Red Bank AYF from ages seven to 14.
Soden’s wife and AYF board member Dana Soden said he continued to be involved with the program over the next two years, teaching younger players and helping the concession stand.
“He had a smile that could just light up the world,” she said.
Red Bank AYF has also organized a fund drive to assist the family in covering funeral expenses. The effort has raised more than $25,000 so far.
(See QR code below to donate.)
Red Bank American Youth Football posted to social media this QR code for members of the community to donate to the fund for the family of Terry Haupt Jr.
The 16-year-old was struck by a northbound NJ Transit train scheduled to arrive in Red Bank at 6:20 Wednesday morning, NJ Transit officials said.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted by NJ Transit police. The agency has released no details on the investigation.
Red Bank Regional High School officials described the tragedy as an accident.
Friends say he was walking to his Locust Avenue home from an early morning workout at the YMCA on Maple Avenue when he was struck. The accident occurred in an area south of the Chestnut Street grade crossing.
The Asbury Park Press has reported that Haupt was wearing headphones at the time of the accident.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
