An Ocean County family is raising money for a 4-year-old girl following a multi-car crash last week that left her in the hospital in critical condition.
Gabby Koehler started the GoFundMe for her sister’s family after her niece, Isabella Corbin, was seriously injured in the crash. The fund has raised more than $50,000 toward a $100,000 goal since it was started two days ago.
“Isabella is a smart, sassy, beautiful little girl that loves nothing more than dancing and smiling,” Koehler wrote in the GoFundMe. “Isabella received her first brain surgery and she is awaiting several more surgeries.”
Isabella was still in the pediatric intensive care unit at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on Monday, her aunt told NJ Advance Media.
“She’s okay. She is in critical condition right now,” Koehler said. “She’s on a ventilator and she’s sedated. She’s really fighting hard.”
Charles Sharkey Jr., 33, has been charged in connection with the crash, authorities said. He was driving eastbound on Route 70 in Toms River and ran a red light at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, officials said.
Sharkey’s vehicle grazed the rear of a car and then hit a second car, which was carrying a man and three children, officials said. Sharkey’s car then overturned and caught fire, and grazed another car that sustained minor damage, officials said.
Isabella was in the second car with her father and two older brothers, Koehler said.
While Isabella was hospitalized with critically injuries, police said her father and brothers were treated for minor injuries and released.
Officials said Sharkey was on a phone just before the crash. He also had a suspended driver’s license and two warrants out for his arrest, authorities said.
Sharkey, of Jackson, is charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of assault by auto, unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, causing death or injury while driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license and multiple motor vehicle summons, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Isabella will remain in the hospital for the immediate future, her aunt said. Donations raised through the fundraiser will go toward medical bills, loss of income and other expenses that arise.
“No child deserves to go through this, nor should any mother or father have to see their child like this,” she wrote. “We appreciate any support that is given right now. Please continue to pray for our little princess.”
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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
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