A Morris County ice cream parlor is mourning the loss of a teenage employee who died in a car crash over the weekend.
Das’ Creamery, located in the Budd Lake section of Mount Olive, paid tribute to Cameron Ray Sunday evening by remembering him in a Facebook post. Ray, 19, was killed early that morning in a two-vehicle crash on Route 80 in Denville, New Jersey State Police said.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected loss of our Cam,” the dairy wrote in the post. “He was a force of nature – a heart full of love and kindness, and an energy that lifted everyone around him.”
Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro offered his condolences in a Facebook post Monday morning to everyone who knew Ray, who lived in the Flemish part of the borough.
“Our prayers go out to Cameron Ray’s family for their loss,” Nicastro wrote. “Sending you strength today and peace in all the days to come.”
Ray was driving west on Route 80 around 5:40 a.m. Sunday when he struck the rear of a truck parked on the highway’s shoulder, Sgt. Charles Marchan told NorthJersey.com. The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries in the accident, which is still under investigation.
Das’ post highlighted Ray’s “infectious enthusiasm for life,” including a strong sense of humor and a “fierce loyalty” to the store.
“His spirit was one of boundless joy and optimism,” the message said, “and he was the first to lift others up when they needed it most.”
Many customers echoed the dairy’s sentiments in the comments section. They remembered Ray’s polite, helpful and patient customer service, and especially his happiness.
“He was always the friendliest with a big smile, great for our kids, especially our 3 year old, every time we came to Das,” one user wrote.
“This boy always had a smile on his face when I saw him work,” wrote another. “I loved his work, his colleagues and the customers!”
Renée Dimonda, an employee of Das’, called Ray “the nicest person ever” in a response to the dairy’s post on Instagram. She was always happy when she had an appointment with Ray, adding that she and her colleagues found him to be the best person to work with in the store.
“When I took leave this summer to return to college, little did I know it would be my last,” Dimonda wrote. “We will miss your smile, miss how good you were at your job and miss how you could always put a smile on someone’s face.”
The creamery noted how Ray was always able to lift the spirits of everyone he encountered. Now his loved ones hope his memory can lift their own spirits after his death.
“Saying he will be missed does not reflect the void he leaves behind,” the post said. ‘Rest assured, dear friend. You will live on in our hearts forever.”
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Das’ Creamery in Budd Lake NJ recalls worker-killed car crash
