Local News

GoFundMe raises money for family of Endicott College police sergeant killed in crash

Sergeant Jeremy Cole left his evening shift on campus to drive home on Thursday when his SUV was hit by a wrong-way Tesla driver on I-95 north in Newbury, police said.

Over $87,000 has been raised for the family of an Endicott College police sergeant who died in a car crash early Thanksgiving morning. Courtesy Photo

By Lindsay Shachnow

December 2, 2024

1 minute to read

Community members have raised more than $87,000 for the family of an Endicott College police sergeant who died in a car crash early Thanksgiving morning.

Sergeant Jeremy Cole left his evening shift on campus to drive home on Thursday when his SUV was hit by a wrong-way Tesla driver on I-95 north in Newbury, according to a statement last week from Endicott College Chief of Police Kerry Ramsdell.

‘Unimaginable loss’: Community mourns Endicott College police sergeant killed by wrong-way driver

Cole, 49, of Exeter, New Hampshire, died at the scene, police said. The Tesla’s operator sustained serious injuries and was MedFlighted to a Boston hospital.

“Jeremy’s kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our community will never be forgotten,” Endicott College said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

The school has also promised to offer Sgt. Cole’s children free tuition when they reach college age.

“Endicott is committed to extending the same employee tuition remission benefit to Sgt. Cole’s young children when they’re old enough to attend,” the school said in a statement to Boston.com.

Following the crash, Benjamin Fridlington, an Endicott College student, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Cole’s family.

“Sergeant Jeremy Cole (or J Cole as we all called him) was a great man and a symbol of what it means to protect and serve,” Fridlington wrote on the fundraising page. “He always made himself available to every student on campus, and made sure everyone knew they had his love and support no matter what the situation was.”

The fundraiser, which had a goal of $15,000, has already raised more than $88,000 as of Monday morning.

“We are deeply moved by the posts, comments, and overwhelming outpouring of love and kindness,” Cole’s family wrote on the donation page. “He was cherished by so many, and it fills our hearts to see how many lives he touched in our community. It’s clear he made a lasting impact and will never be forgotten.”

Endicott College also hosted a gathering Monday morning for the community to come together and process the loss. School officials provided information about support services available for students and staff.