James Gabriel, 2, and his grandmother were struck by a reversing SUV in a Monmouth County farm parking lot.
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 2-year-old boy was killed and his grandmother seriously injured when a Chrysler SUV struck them while backing out of a parking space during a family pumpkin-picking trip at a Monmouth County farm, according to New Jersey State Police.
James Dabin Gabriel was walking with his grandmother, 66-year-old Ellen Gabriel of Roselle Park, shortly after 11 a.m. Oct. 3 when the vehicle hit them in a parking lot on Emleys Hill Road, authorities said. James was pronounced dead, while his grandmother was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. State police said the crash remained under investigation and had not announced charges against the driver.
The parking area serves Bullock Farms and Screamin’ Hill Brewery in the Cream Ridge section of Upper Freehold Township. The farm was offering seasonal attractions, including pumpkin picking, when the family arrived for what was meant to be an autumn outing. The businesses closed early after the crash and remained closed the following day, according to reports citing their public notices.
James’ father, Robert Gabriel, told news outlets that he was a short distance ahead with his infant daughter when the collision occurred. The family had planned to pick pumpkins and later return home together. James’ parents, Robert and Meiling Gabriel, described their son as an energetic and affectionate child who was fascinated by trucks, cars, airplanes and the everyday sights around him.
James, affectionately known by his family as “Jimmy James,” was born May 20, 2024, according to an obituary released through Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home. He was 2 years and four months old when he died. The obituary identifies him as the older brother of Evelyn Gabriel and describes a child who enjoyed playgrounds, gardening with his mother, following his father through projects around the house and watching vehicles pass by.
His family remembered James for a “beautiful smile” and an intense curiosity about the world around him. The obituary said he enjoyed toy cars and trucks, airplanes, school buses and books and often wanted to take part in whatever his parents were doing. The family said ordinary errands and time spent together had become some of their most treasured memories.
Upper Freehold Township Mayor San Moslowski Jr. told News 12 that the collision transformed a family outing into a tragedy. The township made grief-counseling contacts available to first responders, employees and families affected by the crash. Moslowski said the death had been especially difficult for the rural community, where the farm and related businesses are familiar seasonal destinations.
Authorities have released limited information about the driver or the circumstances immediately before the collision. State police said a Chrysler SUV was reversing from a parking space when it struck James and his grandmother at about 11:07 a.m. Police have not publicly identified the driver or announced whether traffic citations or criminal charges will result from the investigation.
Early reports also differed over Ellen Gabriel’s condition after she was taken from the scene. State police described her injuries as serious, but authorities have not released detailed public information about her treatment or longer-term condition. No other injuries were reported in the collision.
Family and friends gathered Friday for visitation at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold Township. A funeral Mass for James is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Church of St. Gabriel in Marlboro, followed by interment at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery and Chapel Mausoleum. The New Jersey State Police investigation remained active Friday, with no charges publicly announced.
Author note: Last updated October 9, 2026.