Eli Bender Obituary — Jersey City Community Grieves Loss of 6-Year-Old Boy in Tragic Accident Near Hamilton Park
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY — What began as an ordinary Friday afternoon in the heart of Jersey City ended in unspeakable tragedy when six-year-old Eli Bender was fatally struck by a UPS truck while riding his bicycle with his father near Hamilton Park. The heartbreaking incident has left the community stunned and grieving, as neighbors, friends, and strangers alike come together to honor the life of a joyful boy whose presence brought light to everyone around him.
🚲 A Simple Ride Turned Tragic
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the accident occurred in the early afternoon hours near 9th Street and Manila Avenue, just steps away from the vibrant green spaces of Hamilton Park, a popular area for families, dog walkers, and cyclists. Eli was enjoying a bicycle ride alongside his father — a routine and cherished outing — when a UPS delivery truck reportedly struck the child.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but despite swift medical efforts, Eli succumbed to his injuries on the scene. The driver of the truck remained at the site and is cooperating with the investigation, which is currently being led by Jersey City police and traffic safety authorities. No charges have been filed at this time, though the investigation remains ongoing.
💔 A Young Life Full of Joy and Promise
Eli Bender was more than just a name in a tragic headline — he was a beloved son, cherished friend, and adored student. Known for his boundless energy, curiosity, and loving heart, Eli had just completed kindergarten and was eagerly looking forward to a summer filled with playground adventures, ice cream outings, and long days of biking through the neighborhood with his dad.
Family members described Eli as a boy who brought joy wherever he went. He had a contagious giggle, an endless curiosity about the world, and a tenderness that endeared him to both adults and his peers. Teachers at his elementary school remembered him as a bright, kind, and engaged student who was always ready to lend a hand or share a smile.
“He loved dinosaurs, Lego sets, and making new friends. He had a kind of magic that made people feel safe and happy,” said one family friend through tears. “The world is dimmer without him in it.”
🕯 Jersey City Community Mourns
The shock of Eli’s death has sent ripples through the tight-knit Jersey City community, particularly in and around Hamilton Park, where families gather daily to play, picnic, and unwind. The site of the accident quickly became a makeshift memorial, with candles, flowers, drawings, and stuffed animals left by mourning neighbors and classmates.
Local residents, many of them parents themselves, expressed anger, sorrow, and disbelief that such a tragedy could happen in an area known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about traffic safety, especially in areas where children are frequently present.
🗣 Calls for Change
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders and safety advocates have called for an immediate review of traffic regulations near Hamilton Park. Many are urging the city to implement stricter vehicle restrictions around the park’s perimeter, add more speed bumps and signage, and enforce no-delivery zones during high pedestrian hours.
“Eli’s death cannot be in vain,” said a local councilmember. “We must act swiftly to ensure the safety of all children in our city. One life lost is one too many.”
A candlelight vigil and neighborhood walk are currently being organized in Eli’s memory, with dozens of local families expected to attend. Community organizations are also working with city officials to propose new safety measures.
🙏 Remembering Eli
Eli Bender’s life may have been brief, but his impact was profound. He leaves behind grieving parents, extended family, classmates, teachers, and an entire neighborhood that feels the weight of his absence.
His family released a brief statement:
“Eli was the light of our lives. A gentle, joyful, endlessly curious child who made every day brighter. We are heartbroken beyond words. We ask for privacy as we grieve our beautiful boy and begin the impossible task of learning to live without him.”
Plans are underway for a public memorial service and community gathering to celebrate Eli’s life. His family has also asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to child safety advocacy groups or to a memorial fund being established in Eli’s honor to support safer city streets for children.
🕊 In Loving Memory
Eli Bender
A Bright Light in Jersey City
Born with Wonder, Loved by Many
June 2018 – June 2025
Forever in Our Hearts 💙
As the city mourns, Eli’s legacy endures — in the laughter of children playing in parks, in the ringing of bike bells on summer afternoons, and in the promise of a safer, more mindful community shaped by love and remembrance.