Long Branch is grieving the loss of 27-year-old Katherine E. Andrade-Portillo, a beloved restaurant worker who died early Sunday after the pickup truck she was riding in ran off the Garden State Parkway, overturned and burst into flames, authorities said. The crash happened in the southbound express lanes in Tinton Falls, and Andrade-Portillo was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver survived, and troopers say the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
State police account
New Jersey State Police troopers responded at about 3:59 a.m. to reports of a serious crash on the southbound express lanes near milepost 108. When they arrived, they found a Toyota pickup that had run off the road, struck a metal storm drain cover, hit multiple trees and overturned before becoming engulfed in flames, according to Asbury Park Press.
Community fundraiser
In the wake of the crash, a GoFundMe organized by Edward Hernandez has been launched to help Andrade-Portillo's family. The campaign shows more than $2,100 raised toward an $8,000 goal and states that funds will be sent directly to her mother and family, according to GoFundMe. "Katherine was a loving, hardworking, and beautiful person who always brought joy, love, and kindness to those around her," Hernandez wrote on the campaign page. Organizers say donations will help cover funeral costs and other unexpected expenses, and they have posted information in both English and Spanish to reach the community.
Work and family
Andrade-Portillo worked at Don Beto's, a Salvadoran restaurant in Long Branch, and is survived by her mother, Glenda, her father and her sister Helen, according to Daily Voice. Friends and co-workers have been posting messages on the fundraiser page and through local outlets offering support as the family makes arrangements.
Investigation underway
The New Jersey State Police told reporters that the cause of the crash remains under investigation and have not released further details. One local outlet identified the driver as Kelvin O. Gomez-Fuentes, 23, of Long Branch, and authorities have not announced any charges, according to RLS Media.
