When third-grade students at James Buchanan Elementary School in Bristol Township began classes on Wednesday, they were missing one of their peers. Javeon Durante, 9, was killed with his mother, Jamella Tisdale, and his baby brother, Jaden Tisdale, in a car wreck just outside Trenton early in the month.
His sister, Mellady Durante, 8, was injured in the crash and returned to Buchanan on Wednesday. Students, staff and the community organized a small memorial ceremoney in memory of the student the school lost.
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Holding back tears, father Shaqwan Tisdale, who is still recovering from injuries sustained in the crash, said he was overwhelmed by the dozens of balloons released by students and staff at the school. Many of the colorful balloons had handwritten notes to Javeon, who lived with his family in Bloomsdale.
“She’s strong,” Shaqwan said of Mellady.
Other members of the victims’ family said they are grateful for the support from the community.
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The fateful accident that ripped the family apart happened on August 3 when authorities say Richard Williams, 45, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was diving a tractor trailer on Route 1 in Lawrence, N.J. Friday night and made an illegal U turn. While the illegal turn was in progress, a Chevrolet Tahoe carrying the family struck the trailer, officials said. Williams is facing several charges.
