Body of woman found tied, burned being brought home to NJ

Nearly a week after a New Jersey woman's body was found tied and burning on railroad tracks in Massachusetts, the grieving family has collected enough money through an online fundraising site to bring her home and lay her to rest.

Ashley Bortner, 29, of Paulsboro was discovered on Nov. 3. Bridgewater, Massachusetts police found her burning body on the MBTA commuter tracks with her hands tied behind her back and her feet tied together, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said in a statement last week.

Police had received a call about a suspicious vehicle along an rural stretch of the railroad track, Cruz said. Bridgewater is located south of Boston.

Following the discovery of Ashley's body, her sister, Dawn Hoyte, set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses, especially to have Ashely transported back home to New Jersey.

"Trying to raise money to bury my baby sister," Hoyte wrote on the GoFundMe page. "This is such a tragedy. She's only 29 yrs old. Never expected to have to bury my little sister so soon. Thank you for any help. First we need to get her body home."

About 44 people donated to the fund, helping the family raise a total of $2,555 toward expenses for Bortner's funeral. On Monday, Hoyte posted a message thanking those who donated.

"Thank you so much for all your love and support. We have raised the money to put my sister Ashley to rest," Hoyte said. "God bless each and every one of you for your kind words and donations! We couldn't have done this without you."

The family could not be reached for comment.

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.