Drew Keough, 11, of Keansburg, was killed on Tuesday after he was struck by a car.

KEANSBURG – More than $25,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours to help pay for funeral arrangements and medical bills for a boy who was struck and killed by a car on Tuesday night.

At around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 11-year-old Drew Keough was a pedestrian near the intersection of Forest and Park avenues when he was struck by a car, authorities said.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office would not release the boy’s name because he is a juvenile, but family members and school officials later identified him.

Keansburg police Lt. Joe Pezzano said Keough is his nephew and described him as having a “big heart.”

“The minute he came into the room he lit it up,” Pezzano said. “He had a kind heart, he was a good kid.”

Pezzano said Keough was a huge New England Patriots fan and played several sports, including football. He also described him as being inquisitive.

“He always asked a thousand questions, but every question was thought out,” Pezzano said. “It wasn’t silly questions.”

A fundraising site was set up Tuesday night to help pay for the young boy's funeral and related expenses with the goal of raising $30,000. In just 20 hours, more than $25,000 had already been raised through more than 600 donations.

“It’s nice to know that the communities of Keansburg are coming together. It’s very unique,” Pezzano said. “Keansburg’s always been sometimes thought about negatively by people, but when something like this happens man, people pick up the mantle and they run with it.”

Alyson Munera, a close family friend, said she set up a fundraising page to help the family pay for funeral costs, medical bills and other expenses related to their son's death. Originally the fundraising goal was set at $1,000, but after reaching $450 in one hour, she raised the goal because of the outpouring of support.

Munera said Keough has a 5-year-old brother and was friends with her 10-year-old son. She described Keough as “outgoing” and said he loved going to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.

CONNECT WITH US

• Follow us on Twitter



• Like us on Facebook



• NJ.com/monmouth



“He’s always out doing something,” Munera said. “He’s always got to try something at least once.”

She also said Keough was very smart and loved to read.

In a Facebook post, the Keansburg School District said grief counselors would be on hand for students or parents who had questions about how to talk to their children.

“This horrific accident strikes at the core of our community,” Superintendent Jerry North said in the post. “I encourage parents to tell their children to reach out to talk to a counselor if they are upset or confused.”



Visitation is scheduled for Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at Laurel Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday at St. Ann's RC Church at 10:15 a.m. before the burial.