“HE WAS JUST TWO YEARS OLD — AND THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY DAY”: LITTLE JAMES GABRIEL D!ES IN PUMPKIN PATCH PARKING LOT TR@GEDY

ThanhThuy
October 14, 2026

“HE WAS JUST TWO YEARS OLD — AND THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY DAY”: LITTLE JAMES GABRIEL DIES IN PUMPKIN PATCH PARKING LOT TRAGEDY

James Dabin Gabriel was visiting a New Jersey farm with his family for a day of pumpkin picking when a reversing SUV struck him and his grandmother. His death has left his loved ones devastated.

A family outing that was supposed to be filled with autumn memories ended in unimaginable heartbreak when a two-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in a farm parking lot in New Jersey.

James Dabin Gabriel died on October 3, 2026, after being hit by a Chrysler SUV at Bullock Farms and Screamin’ Hill Brewery in Cream Ridge, Upper Freehold Township.

The toddler had arrived with his family for a day of pumpkin picking when the incident occurred at approximately 11:07 a.m. His grandmother, Ellen Gabriel, was also struck and taken to hospital for emergency medical treatment.

According to reports citing New Jersey State Police, the SUV was backing out of a parking space when it hit the pair. The driver has not been publicly identified, and the investigation remains ongoing. No criminal charges had been publicly confirmed in the reports available at the time of publication.

“We were going there to have a good day”

James’ father, Robert Gabriel, described the family’s devastation after losing his young son.

The family had been looking forward to a simple day together — picking pumpkins before returning home to watch football.

Instead, they were confronted with a tragedy no parent expects to face.

Robert remembered James as a healthy, happy little boy. His words captured the painful contrast between the ordinary family plans they had made and the loss that followed.

A little boy who brought joy to everyone around him

In his obituary, James was remembered for his beautiful smile and a personality that seemed far bigger than his tiny frame.

His family described him as curious, energetic, playful and affectionate — a little boy who found excitement in the world around him.

He loved the children’s show Bluey, as well as trucks, cars and planes. He also enjoyed helping his father with projects around the house and eating his mother’s homemade dumplings.

To his family, these were not simply childhood interests. They were the everyday details that made James uniquely himself — the little things they will continue to remember as they navigate life without him.

A big brother taken far too soon

James was also a cherished big brother to his baby sister, Evelyn.

The siblings shared the same birthday, two years apart, and had spent four months together before his death.

His family described him as already loving and protective in his role as an older brother. The thought of the years they should have shared makes his loss even more painful for those who loved him.

His family has since launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, time away from work, legal costs and other unexpected financial burdens. They also hope to find a meaningful way to honour James and preserve his memory.

A community shares the family’s grief

The tragedy has deeply affected the local community.

Upper Freehold Township Mayor Stanley Moslowski expressed heartbreak over the incident, noting how an outing intended to create happy family memories had ended in tragedy.

Farm employees were reportedly offered counselling resources following the incident.

The crash remains under investigation by New Jersey State Police, and the circumstances surrounding it have not yet been fully resolved. <Cite refs={[“turn372333news3″,”turn372333search0”]}/>

Remembering James

James had only lived for two years, but his family says the love and happiness he brought into their lives will remain with them.

His story is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly an ordinary day can change — and of the immeasurable value of the small moments families often take for granted.

For Robert, James’ mother and everyone who loved him, the pumpkin-picking trip will forever be remembered not for the autumn day they planned, but for the little boy they lost.

James Gabriel was deeply loved, and his family is determined that his memory will live on.