Albert Masonius

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

A 32-year-old Keyport man was fatally struck by a car after he exited his vehicle while standing in the roadway on the New Jersey Turnpike in Middlesex County, early Monday, Oct. 27, authorities said.

At 4:01 a.m., Albert Masonius was operating a Nissan south on the Turnpike in South Brunswick Township when it collided with a Toyota minivan, causing the Nissan to become disabled in the center lane of the roadway, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State police said.

A separate crash involving a Mazda SUV, a Honda SUV and a Kia SUV caused the Kia to struck Masonius' Nissan, authorities said.

After the initial crash, Masonius exited his vehicle and was standing in the left lane when a Toyota SUV traveling south on the inner roadway struck him, Lebron said.

Masonius was pronounced dead at the scene, Lebron said. Masonius was killed one day before his 33rd birthday, according to a fundraiser set up to support his family.

"Al was so much more than his smile and his laugh, though anyone who knew him will never forget those," Arielle Heller, who organized the fundraiser, wrote. "He had a heart of gold, was always willing to help anyone in need, and a sense of humor that could light up even the darkest day."

Masonius is survived by his 6-year old daughter, Juniper, his parents, Cheryl and Mark, and his siblings, Ciara and Christopher, according to his obituary from the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home.

The fundraiser will go toward funeral and memorial expenses. As of Wednesday, Oct. 29, more than $5,000 has been raised.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home in Parlin, with a prayer service at 3 p.m.

Two other people sustained non-life threatening injuries and were transported to an area hospital, Lebron said.

The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said.

To view the fundraiser, click here. To view his obituary, click here.