Remembering Trooper McCarson, who died on duty: How you can help

A fundraiser has been started to help the family of Eli McCarson, the New Jersey State Trooper who died Thursday in a line-of-duty car crash.

Authorities say McCarson, a 30-year-old newlywed who graduated from the police academy earlier this year, was responding to a domestic violence incident when his vehicle went off the right side of Quinton-Alloway Road and into an electric utility pole Thursday morning.

"On December 17, 2015, heaven gained a beautiful angel," wrote Sarah DiPhillipo and Alicia Silverman on a GoFundMe page. "For anyone who knew Eli, he was truly a genuine man. He touched the hearts of every person who had the privilege of knowing him. You were a man of God Eli, someone everyone loved and looked up to. You never gave up on your dreams, and your ambition to succeed was admirable. You blessed us with so many memories and you will always be remembered."

They wrote wrote that McCarson and his wife Jordan had recently gotten married, and "everyone who knew their relationship, knew it was true love. In this time, please help Jordan and their family."

As of Friday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised more than $5,000 from more than 100 people.

Hundreds of people left condolences on a New Jersey 101.5 Facebook post about McCarson's death Thursday and Friday.

"Such a shame. So young. A true hero who gave his life doing what he loved in helping and protecting others," Frank Clark wrote. "You are a true hero and may you rest in peace. Condolences to your family and your brothers in the state police — also all your other police brothers."

Some of those posting appeared to be close friends.

"RIP Eli. We were with you at your beautiful wedding in September, never dreaming this would happen three months later," Michele Shannon Gallagher wrote. "The beach won't be the same without you! God speed to one of the nicest young men I know."

New Jersey State Police changed their own Facebook profile picture to one with a thin blue line running through No. 7775, McCarson's badge number.

State Police have not yet said why they believe McCarson lost control of the car, but there were heavy rains Thursday throughout most of the state. The speed limit on Quinton-Alloway Road had reportedly recently been lowered from 50 mph to 35 mph because of other crashes.

McCarson had been entrapped for a short time while rescuers had to open the jammed doors, police have said. He was then transported to Salem hospital where he was pronounced shortly after noon, police said.

McCarson of Gloucester County was a member of the 155th State Police Class, which graduated Feb. 20 of this year. He was working out of Woodstown Station, State Police said.