JACKSON — Whether spending summers in Montenegro or exploring a new country, Kiera Cirkovic often shared her adventures with her older sister and best friend, Emina.
Now, following Kiera’s death in an October 13 crash on Route 9 in Manalapan, a fundraiser is seeking to help Emina navigate the loss of someone who was both family and a constant companion.
Kiera, 22, was one of two Jackson residents killed in the crash, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office. The other victim was Thomas J. Dumon, 52. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team and Manalapan Police Department are investigating.
Born in Palm Coast, Florida, Kiera had lived in Jackson for four years, according to her obituary. Her life included academic achievement, athletics, music and a love of travel.
At Imagine School, she earned membership in the National Honor Society and participated in soccer, violin, student government and varsity lacrosse. She graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School and later earned a degree in business and marketing, graduating magna cum laude from Mercy University in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
She worked at Moore’s Tavern in Freehold.
Kiera spent her summers in Plav, Montenegro, which her obituary described as her second home. She and Emina traveled together whenever possible, with favorite destinations including Costa Rica, Amsterdam, Italy and Paris.
Fundraiser organizers said the sisters shared an exceptionally close relationship. With limited family support available to Emina, the campaign seeks to ease everyday financial pressures while giving her time to grieve and honor Kiera’s memory.
Organizers are asking those who can to donate and encouraging others to share the campaign or keep the sisters in their thoughts.
Kiera is survived by her parents, Samir Cirkovic and Jenelle McMorrow-Cirkovic; her sisters, Emina Cirkovic, Mariah Hayden, Amina Cirkovic, Mylah Hayden and Hana Cirkovic; grandparents Jack and JeanAl McMorrow and Mehmed and Kumrija Cirkovic; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her grandfather Francis Kennedy preceded her in death.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at George S. Hassler Funeral Home, 980 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson. A funeral service will take place at 6 p.m.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
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