Eli McCarson, 30, was described as a kind man of God and a dedicated husband.
Mourners have started an online fundraiser in memory of the state trooper who was killed in a Salem County car accident on Thursday.
Eli McCarson, 30, was heading to a call of a domestic dispute at 10:45 a.m. in Quinton Township when his cruiser struck a utility pole on Quinton-Alloway Road. A steady rain was falling over South Jersey through the day Thursday morning, but state police have not yet provided further details about the cause of the accident.
The speed limit near the scene of the accident is 35 miles per hour. NBC reported that it had recently been lowered from 50 in response to complaints of other accidents.
Two women, Sarah DiPhillipo and Alicia Silverman, have created a GoFundMe campaign in McCarson's name.
"On December 17, 2015, heaven gained a beautiful angel. For anyone who knew Eli, he was truly a genuine man. He touched the hearts of every person who had the privilege of knowing him," wrote DiPhillipo and Silverman.
"You were a man of God Eli, someone everyone loved and looked up to. You never gave up on your dreams, and your ambition to succeed was admirable. You blessed us with so many memories and you will always be remembered."
By Friday evening, the donation drive had reached more than half of its $10,000 goal.
McCarson was described as a kind man and a dedicated husband. He had lived in the area all his life, attending Lambs Road Academy for elementary school. The Clearview Regional High School graduate had married his wife, Jordan, in September, and the couple had recently purchased a home in Gloucester County.
"Everyone who knew their relationship knew it was true love," DiPhillipo and Silverman wrote. "In this time, please help Jordan and their family. Thank you for your service Eli."
The Officer Down Memorial Page, a website that honors fallen law enforcement officers, was abuzz with condolences from around the world. Agencies from South Carolina, Virginia, California, Missouri, Arkansas and New York wrote in, along with a few international posts from as near as Canada and as far as Europe.
"Rest In Peace Trooper McCarson," wrote a Belgian police officer. "All my thoughts fly to your co-workers, friends and family. A brother in blue from UE."
The Salem County Prosecutor's Office also released a short statement.
"On behalf of all Salem County law enforcement we would like to extend our condolences to the family and colleagues of Trooper McCarson," said Prosecutor John T. Lenahan.
On Friday night, Gov. Chris Christie issued an executive order that all state buildings will fly flags at half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 23, in McCarson's honor.
"Trooper McCarson was a loving and devoted husband, son, and brother, whose memory will live in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow members of the New Jersey State Police," Christie said in a statement. "Trooper McCarson served his State with courage, professionalism, and commitment to the finest ideals and traditions of the New Jersey State Police.
"It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Trooper McCarson, and we extend our sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow members of the New Jersey State Police."
Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.