Prayers for young Mr Smith.

...i go to school and know jeff...i really hope hes okay

I travel that road daily & people are ALWAYS crossing that double yellow over the narrow bridge. I hope he's gonna be alright.

Let's not forget the couple he hit. Just because their injuries are not life threatening, doesn't mean they won't be in pain for the rest of their lives.

I can explain his crossing the line....texting or changing his iPod or any other number of distractions in vehicles these days.

We should out law possession of these items in vehicles to save lives.

If even just one life is saved than your inconvience will truly be worth it.

Let's all ban together for the greater good of mankind and work toward making the highways safer.

Please..I implore you, turn in your iPods and cell phones at the next buy back day in your community.

That is a terrible stretch of road...people always drive too fast and cross the double yellow line...i am surprised there aren't more accidents! prayers for mr & mrs spinelli and Jeff smith...

My son goes to the same HS and was just told Jeffrey Smith passed away this evening from his injuries. Does anyone know if this is true? My deepest thoughts and prayers go out the the Smith family.

Jeff Smith passed away tonight 1/25 RIP and prayers to his family

Very sorry to hear this was in fact true. Poor family..my sincere condolences to the Smith family.

I AGREE MARIE, SOMEONE SHOULD NEVER ASSUME IF THEY DONT KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED. JEFF WAS A GOOD KID, HARD WORKER. AND DID NOT MEAN TO HURT THE SPANELLI'S. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT WHERE JEFF LOST HIS LIFE. AN 18 YEAR OLD KID IS DEAD... SO DON'T ASSUME ANYTHING IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING SOOTHING TO SAY, THE BEST THING IS TO ZIP IT..HE IS MY DAUGHTERS BROTHER IN LAW And responses like that hurt..

I am devastated by this tragedy, as I knew Jeff personally. That is why I am compelled to comment here just to let everyone know that according to Jeff's family, at the scene of the accident, his cell phone was found in his pocket and he had to be cut out of his seat belt.

I knew Jeff. I went to school with him my junior year of high school. He was the greatest person anyone could have met. He had an amazing outlook on life. He was so positive about everything. I never saw him with out a smile on his face. He will be forever missed. Rest in peace Jeff. You'll be forever in my heart.

Well my grandparents were the 2 people this young man hit as gate321 mentioned they may never be the same! As mad as I wanna be at this young man I know my grandparents who are both religious people would not want me to feel anger towards this young man. This was truly an accident & a horrible event my heart & prayers goes out to this young man. Grandma Grandpa I love you both so much get well soon I'm sorry I'm so far away, bur you know I'd give anything to be there & take your place I can't believe I was just home for Christmas & all was well. Wow how fast life can hit you sometimes. Praying for all involved God keep my loved ones in your heart tonite & watch over Jeff & let him know no hard feelings & watch over your family now Jeff keep them safe! Again grandma & grandpa I love you so much & look foward to hearing your voices..... love ryry

Thus far, over my 20 year teaching career, I have had the pleasure to teach many wonderful young men and women. Each one is special; each one has something to teach me-- sometimes lessons more important than the ones I teach them. Jeff "Santo" Smith was one who inspired me. He faced challenges at 18 years old that most students never have to...nor should have to face while in the midst of pursuing their education. He was bright, thoughtful, sensitive, and redefined what it means to be a hard worker-- I am sure that he made his parents so proud. I will miss seeing him every morning, and his empty desk will be hard to ignore once classes resume Monday morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his friends; may they find peace in knowing that he is now among the angels, and despite his absence here on earth, he is still with them...always.

WOW Kelly your just AWESOME. NOT!

Well said, Al, and to Leaving N.J., I was thinking that myself. Maybe others will follow the trend...

Another life cut way too soon. No answers but just complete sadness. I hope his family and friends can find the strengh to get through the pain. RIP

I find it so offensive that an individual would make assumptions in order to slur a young man who has just lost his life, so that that individual can voice in a satirical manner their own position on gun control (totally unrelated to the article). See comment that starts with "i can explain..." My sympathies to both families connected to this accident.

Thank you to my son Ryan Downey for putting thingss in perspeective. May Jeffrey RIP.

There was no one closer to me than my brother, jeff. Thank you all for your loving comments. He was- and still is- a very unique person. I was pleased to hear all of his friends from school speak about him with such gratitude to have him in their lives. Life really through a curve ball, and it really stabbed us all in the heart. The other couple that were in the accident are very sweet people. Im truly sorry about their position. I am also pleased that they are still able to be held and loved by their family here on earth. I know the family may be experiencing anger, but my brother would throw himself in the way of harm before he would allow anyone else to be hurt. He had a beautiful heart.