Fundraiser Honors Barnegat Man Killed in Boat Crash

A South Jersey family is reeling after a happy family holiday weekend boat ride on Monday afternoon turned tragic. A GoFundMe has been started for the family.

Gunnar Pearson, 28, of Barnegat, died after the boat he was riding in hit a day marker around 5:45 pm. Pearson and his girlfriend were thrown into the water during the crash and rushed to a hospital, according to State Police.

All six people on board were injured.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help his family through this rough time.

Gunnar was making memories with his family during the Memorial Day holiday, when a boating accident tragically took his life.

 

He leaves behind his beloved long time partner, Kayla, parents, Jennifer and Gary Pearson, brother, Colby Pearson, and many family and friends.

 

A Barnegat, Stockton Athlete, a National Guardsman

Gunnar Pearson ran track at Barnegat High School and Stockton University and was a former lifeguard in Ship Bottom.

He also served with the New Jersey National Guard, according to a GoFundMe campaign and Barnegat American Legion Post 232.

He was polite and respectful with a sense of humor and a generous spirit that are unmatched.

"Gunnar was a caring individual whose friendly disposition invited everyone to befriend him. He loved running track, his country, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family and friends," the GoFundMe said.

"His sudden passing has created an immeasurable void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.

Pearson had been spending the holiday with his parents, brother, and their girlfriends when the accident happened, according to published reports.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the State Police.