Community rallies for family of man killed in South River house explosion
SOUTH RIVER - The explosion that rocked a borough neighborhood Thursday not only destroyed a home, but took the life of a man described as "beloved" by family, friends, coworkers and the community.
Kevin Gilbert Sr., a retired member of the Newark Police Force from 1990 to 2016, was taken in a "moment of unfathomable tragedy," according to the GoFundMe page posted by the Hassan family, Gilbert's relatives. More recently, Gilbert was a school security officer with the East Brunswick district, working in Irwin Elementary School until his retirement in 2023.
At approximately 7 p.m. Thursday, authorities responded to a residence on Continental Court off Leonardine Avenue following a report of an explosion. Gilbert, 62, was discovered with fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a statement from Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and South River Police Chief Mark Tinitigan.
A second man, identified as Gilbert's brother-in-law Curtis by the GoFundMe post, was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with serious injuries, authorities said. According to the GoFundMe, he remains in critical condition at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
More: ‘Like an earthquake but more intense’: South River neighbors describe house explosion
South River Fire Chief Craig Miller said upon arrival, the home seemed to be completely leveled. There was a lot of debris on the roadway and neighboring lawns, he said. Neighbors were evacuated and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
"Our hearts are heavy as the Gilbert family comes to reality with the devastating aftermath of the house explosion," said the GoFundMe page description. "As we mourn his loss, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our community."
As of Sunday morning, more than $76,000 had been raised for the family.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Cleveena and his children Kevin Jr. (known as KJ), a Somerville police officer, Indirah, and Khalena, his mother Eulalia Gilbert, siblings Darren, Tyjuan, Juan, Rahman and Hassan. He was a father-in-law to Rabia and Jeston and grandfather to Jasier, Elias, Tamaaj, Kalis, and Kasidi. His father, Roosevelt Gilbert, predeceased him.
The GoFundMe said that the family has lost not only Gilbert, but also their home and "all they held dear in it." Gilbert's son and his wife also lived in the home with his parents.
The Hassan family established this GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance and contributions that will help cover funeral expenses for Gilbert and aid the family in their attempt to rebuild all that they have lost.
"The road ahead is long and uncertain, but with the support of our community, we will not let them walk alone," said the page. "We know only time can heal their wounds but our goal is to help ease as much of the pain and uncertainty as we can."
Anyone with information is asked to call South River Police Detective Patrick Molina 732-238-1000 or Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at 732-745-3354.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: South River NJ house explosion: GoFundMe set for Kevin Gilbert Sr.
