On November 24, 2002, in the city of Philadephia, VJ, and another friend Rob, were leaving the city after a night of safe fun and drinking. Rob was driving. They were proceeding through a green light when a drunk driver ran a red light and hit the passenger side of the car. Both VJ and Rob sustained serious injuries. The crash occured at 2:43am. VJ was pronounced dead at 3:10am. VJ was only 27 years old.

VJ was a third grade teacher in the Trenton School District, a son, a brother, and a friend to many. He was an asset to the human race, and touched more lives in his 27 years than most of can ever hope to in a lifetime. He will be greatly missed!

Proudly, I can say that I am one of the many lives that VJ touched. VJ was a great friend, a compassionate person and one of the finest people I ever had the honor of knowing.

I'll never forget you VJ!