In a tragic accident on Saturday night, two teenagers from Glassboro, New Jersey, Gavin Stoner and Zembalist Lewis, both 18, lost their lives after their vehicle veered off the road and crashed along State Highway 55 in Gloucester County. According to New Jersey State Police, the accident occurred at approximately 10:39 p.m. at mile marker 51.6 in Mantua, also known as Veterans Memorial Highway. The vehicle, driven by Stoner, lost control, swerved off the road, collided with two trees, and overturned. Both Stoner and Lewis were ejected from the vehicle due to the impact, sustaining fatal injuries.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Glassboro and Mantua communities, leaving family members, friends, and neighbors devastated and in mourning. The tragic accident is a somber reminder of the fragile nature of life and has led to an outpouring of grief and support for the families of the two young men. State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan, who confirmed details of the accident on Sunday, noted that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no further details available at this time.
Gavin Stoner and Zembalist Lewis: Lives Cut Short
Both Stoner and Lewis were known as vibrant young men with promising futures, beloved by their families, friends, and community. Their unexpected deaths have deeply affected those who knew them, as they remember the positive impact each young man had in their lives.
Gavin Stoner, the driver of the vehicle, was remembered as a dedicated and kind-hearted individual. A recent graduate of Glassboro High School, he was known for his love of sports, especially baseball, and for his dreams of furthering his education. Stoner was a young man full of energy and ambition, who always showed up for his friends and had an unbreakable bond with his family. He was a source of joy for many, often lifting others’ spirits with his humor and kindness.
Zembalist Lewis, the passenger, was equally cherished by his family and friends. Known for his easygoing nature and supportive personality, Lewis had an infectious positivity that drew people to him. Like Stoner, he was a recent high school graduate with plans to pursue higher education and explore his interests in business and technology. His dedication to his loved ones and his uplifting spirit left a lasting impression on those around him.
The Accident: Details and Ongoing Investigation
The crash on State Highway 55 occurred on Saturday night when Stoner, traveling northbound in a Toyota, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the highway and collide with two trees before overturning. The force of the collision was so severe that both young men were thrown from the vehicle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find both Stoner and Lewis fatally injured.
State Police are actively investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether speed, road conditions, or any other factors may have contributed. Sgt. Charles Marchan provided initial details but noted that more information may come to light as the investigation progresses.
Community and Family in Mourning
The tragic deaths of Stoner and Lewis have left a profound void in the Glassboro and Mantua communities. Neighbors, friends, and family members have gathered in support of both families, expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the two teenagers. In the days following the accident, the community has come together to mourn, with local businesses, churches, and schools offering their spaces for memorial gatherings and prayer services.
Community members describe Stoner and Lewis as two promising young men who had so much to offer and were taken too soon. Friends have flooded social media with tributes, posting heartfelt messages and memories of moments they shared with the young men. Vigils have been organized by classmates and family friends, where candles are lit, and prayers are offered in honor of their lives.
The Families Remember Their Sons
The families of Gavin Stoner and Zembalist Lewis have been left reeling from the sudden and devastating loss of their loved ones. Both families have expressed gratitude for the support they have received from the community, noting that the love shown by friends and neighbors has provided some solace during this unimaginable time.
Stoner’s family has shared memories of their son, describing him as a kind, thoughtful, and joyful young man who had an incredible sense of humor and a compassionate heart. His parents, siblings, and extended family are grieving the loss of a young man they describe as a “bright light” in their lives, someone who brought warmth and laughter wherever he went.
Lewis’s family has similarly spoken of his generous nature, his infectious laughter, and his supportive spirit. They remember him as a young man who was always there for his family and friends, someone who would go out of his way to make others feel loved and appreciated. His family is heartbroken but comforted by the outpouring of love they have received.
Local Schools and Organizations Offer Support
Both Glassboro High School, where Stoner and Lewis graduated, and local organizations have stepped forward to offer resources and support for students and community members affected by the tragedy. Counselors have been made available to provide emotional support to grieving students, and local leaders have encouraged the community to reach out for help as they cope with the loss. The high school has plans to hold a remembrance event to honor both young men, allowing friends, teachers, and classmates to pay their respects.
Local churches and youth organizations have also stepped in to provide comfort, organizing prayer circles and support groups for those impacted by the loss. The community’s collective mourning underscores the strong bonds shared by residents, who have united in support of the families of Stoner and Lewis.
Road Safety and a Call for Reflection
The tragic accident has also sparked discussions about road safety, particularly among young drivers. Local officials and community members are reflecting on the importance of driving responsibly and understanding the potential dangers on the road. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the incident serves as a reminder to the community of the importance of caution and attentiveness when driving, especially on high-speed roads like State Highway 55.
In the days following the accident, the community has shown an outpouring of support, from organized vigils to online fundraising campaigns. Friends and family of Stoner and Lewis are determined to honor their memories, cherishing the joyful and loving spirits of both young men.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
As the community grapples with the sudden loss of Gavin Stoner and Zembalist Lewis, there is a collective resolve to remember their lives with love and gratitude. Both young men leave behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and resilience. Their families, friends, and neighbors are committed to carrying forward their memory, finding ways to honor their lives and keep their spirits alive within the community.
Though Stoner and Lewis are no longer here, their impact will be felt for years to come. In their honor, friends and family are creating scholarships and other initiatives aimed at supporting local youth, hoping to inspire future generations to carry forward the qualities that defined both young men.
Funeral Arrangements and Memorial Plans
Funeral arrangements for Gavin Stoner and Zembalist Lewis will be announced by their families in the coming days, as they take time to grieve and reflect on the lives of their beloved sons. The families have expressed their appreciation for the overwhelming support they have received and have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the families, friends, and community members are focused on remembering and celebrating the lives of these two promising young men, honoring the joy and love they brought to those around them. The tragic loss of Stoner and Lewis is felt deeply by all who knew them, and their memory will live on in the hearts of their loved ones and the community they called home.
