A New Jersey dad of four died in a freak construction accident just months after his son beat cancer, according to reports.
Vincent “Vinny” Trotter, of Manahawkin, was killed when a large construction lift fell on its side Monday in Clifton, the Daily Voice reported.
Months before the 34-year-old’s shocking death, Trotter’s son Giovanni was declared cancer-free — in October — after receiving chemotherapy and radiation. The young boy continues to undergo hyperbaric treatment for his recovery, the outlet said.
Trotter’s fiancée, Tiffanie Cardona, was with Giovanni while he was receiving treatment, when she heard the heartbreaking news of the dreadful accident.
“This last year and a half has been rough on us,” Cardona told the outlet.
“But this is the worst thing that has ever happened. Every time something starts to go well, it gets 10 times worse.”
The couple’s infant daughter, who was born in July, has also been diagnosed with brittle bone disease, also known as osteogenesis imperfecta — adding to the list of medical and financial hurdles the family has been facing.
“I’m sad for my kids. He was the best thing that ever happened to them,” Cardona said. “One second they’re fine, the next they’re big balls of tears.”
Patrick Dougherty, the owner of LFG Auto, called Trotter a “good guy” — and even gave the family a $20,000 vehicle for free last year after learning about their situation, according to the outlet.
“Vinny was extremely grateful, and we’ve done everything we can to support them,” Dougherty told the outlet. “He would call me from time to time, thanking me, knowing how hard it was as a man to ask for help, but was very grateful and appreciative that we were willing to help.
“His main concern was to take care of his children. “So now that Vinny is gone, Tiffanie, who takes care of four children, can’t work. The reality is that there are four children who need help and support.”
Michael Giordano, a pastor at Shore Life Church in Toms River who said he baptized the hardworking father last year, noted that Trotter truly “loved” his family.
“He was a man of God. He was falling in love with Jesus, and it’s so tragic … he was a hands-on dad,” he said.
The church was scheduled to host a prayer night for Trotter’s family on Wednesday. A Meal Train fundraiser service has also raised $10,000 for the grieving family.
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