A routine family outing for autumn pumpkin picking turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a 2-year-old boy was struck and killed by a reversing SUV in a New Jersey farm parking lot. New Jersey State Police and grieving family members identified the young victim as James Gabriel, who lost his life in the Saturday morning incident in Upper Freehold Township.
The fatal collision occurred shortly after 11:07 a.m. on October 3 in the parking lot shared by Bullock Farms and Screamin’ Hill Brewery on Emleys Hill Road. According to state investigators, the driver of a Chrysler SUV was backing out of a parking space when the vehicle struck two pedestrians: young James and his 66-year-old grandmother, Ellen Gabriel of Roselle Park.
Emergency responders rushed Ellen Gabriel to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to treat her injuries. Her family confirmed that she sustained serious injuries but is currently recovering. Tragically, the 2-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries following the impact.
Family Remembers Young James Gabriel
Speaking with local reporters, the toddler’s devastated parents, Robert and Meiling Gabriel, shared the heartbreak of losing their son during what was supposed to be a joyful weekend. The family had just arrived at the popular local agricultural destination to pick pumpkins and enjoy a relaxing day before returning home to watch football.
“It was supposed to be a beautiful weekend,” Robert Gabriel told reporters. “It was not supposed to be the absolute devastation that it was. He was as healthy as could be. He was as happy as could be.”
Robert Gabriel noted that he was walking ahead with his young daughter and did not immediately witness the vehicle strike his mother and son. When he turned back, he realized the magnitude of the emergency. Medical documentation later confirmed the boy died from blunt force trauma.
Family members described James as a bubbly, smart child who loved being outdoors, playing at playgrounds, and watching his favorite cartoon show, Bluey. His passing leaves an immense void in the family, which also welcomed an infant daughter this past May. Loved ones have since established an online fundraising campaign to assist with funeral and memorial expenses.
Investigation and Community Impact
Upper Freehold Mayor Stanley Moslowski expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the township, noting that the community is shaken by the unprecedented tragedy. Local farm workers and staff were offered grief counseling resources following the accident.
Bullock Farms, a historic seventh-generation family farm, features a popular farm brewery, pick-your-own pumpkin patches, and corn mazes that draw heavy seasonal crowds from across the region. The incident has renewed safety discussions regarding pedestrian visibility and vehicle traffic in busy, unpaved agricultural parking areas during peak autumn harvest months.
New Jersey State Police have confirmed that the fatal collision remains actively under investigation. Authorities have not yet indicated whether the driver of the Chrysler SUV will face any criminal charges as state troopers continue to review the mechanics and exact timeline of the backover crash.
