LACEY – The local school district is grieving the heartbreaking loss of one of its own, Da’shaun C. Witter, affectionately known as “Daedae.” A promising 17-year-old with dreams that stretched beyond the horizon, Daedae’s life was tragically cut short in a devastating car accident on October 7, 2023.
Daedae joined the Lacey Township School District in April 2021 when his family moved from Lakewood to Lanoka Harbor. Within the district, he is survived by a sibling currently attending Lacey High School and another sibling in the middle school.
Aspiring to attend college and delve into the world of real estate, Daedae not only contributed to the school’s football team but also shone on the basketball court. His passion for sports and his wish for a future in real estate highlighted his determination to achieve greatness in every facet of life.
“Daedae was someone you would like in a player because he was always a team player first, always on the sidelines no matter what,” shared Coach Warren Smith. “He valued the camaraderie of his classmates and chose to be there on a regular basis to support his friends and teammates.”
The tragedy unfolded on October 7, 2023, when Daedae was a passenger in a 2009 Honda Accord involved in a collision in Lakewood. Sadly, both the driver of the car and another rear-seated passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. Despite the valiant efforts of medical personnel, Daedae succumbed to his injuries and died at Jersey Shore Medical Center.
In response to this devastating loss, the Lacey Township School District’s Crisis Team sprang into action. On Sunday, October 8, they assembled at the Board of Education Office to collect information, streamline communication, and coordinate appropriate support services for grieving students, families, and staff. Their objective was to provide solace and guidance during this trying time.
Among the resources provided was the Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC), which deployed three experienced clinicians to offer grief counseling services to students, staff, and parents in need. TLC also facilitated appropriate referrals for those who required counseling through the E.M.B.R.A.C.E. program. Additionally, the Barnegat Township School District sent counseling staff with backgrounds in traumatic loss to ensure another layer of support was available to the Lacey school community.
Grief counseling services were made available in both individual and small group formats, providing a space for individuals to share their feelings, seek support, and begin the healing process. The in-kind services from TLC and Barnegat occurred on Tuesday and continued on Wednesday of this week, showcasing the strength and compassion of the broader educational community.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and create a memorial to honor Daedae’s time on earth. He is remembered as a loving, carefree person who was also respectful and fun.
“He loved his family most importantly,” reads the GoFundMe campaign organized by a family member. “Da’shaun loved and cared for everyone that he came in contact with.”
The fundraiser can be found at gofundme.com/f/dashaun-aka-daedae
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