New Jersey, Amaya Tillman, Passes Away After Fatal Car Crash; Community Raises Over $21K for Family

The passing of Amaya Tillman has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. News of her death has brought profound sadness to the New Jersey community, where loved ones continue to mourn the loss of a young life remembered for its warmth, kindness, and promise.

Amaya’s father, Nikia “Raz” Tillman, shared the devastating news on social media in words that stopped hearts across his network.

“On Sunday morning I received a call at 2am, the one call no parent wants to receive,” he wrote. “My daughter Amaya has transitioned and gained her wings.”

His post, raw with grief and gratitude all at once, drew an immediate outpouring of condolences from family members, friends, and community members who had watched Amaya grow up.

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He thanked everyone for the calls, texts, and prayers flooding in, asking that his children and family be kept in prayer as they navigate this devastating chapter.

Amaya’s mother, Teria McKever, shares in this unimaginable heartbreak. Together, Nikia and Teria are not only carrying the weight of losing their daughter but also caring for Amaya’s siblings, who are processing the sudden absence of someone they loved deeply.

According to those close to the family, Amaya died in a car accident, a loss that was as sudden as it was shattering. There were no goodbyes, no time to prepare. One moment she was here, and the next, she was gone.

A Community Rallies Around the Tillman and McKever Families

In the days since Amaya’s passing, the community has not stood still. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers have stepped forward to offer what comfort they can.

Community member Trevor Luvisluv summed up what many were feeling when he wrote,

“Please, I’m asking for y’all’s help. We are emotionally down bad and at the mercy of the universe. We just want to ease some of the financial burden of these families. Anything y’all can do at this time will help.”

That call to action has translated into real support. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for Amaya Tillman’s Celebration of Life” was created by Kamuela Tillman to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.

Within hours of being launched, the campaign drew dozens of donors from near and far. As of now, the fund has raised over $21,000 toward its $35,000 goal, supported by more than 200 donations.

The top donation alone reached $4,290, a testament to how deeply Amaya’s story has moved people who may never have met her.

The organizers made clear that every dollar contributed, no matter how small, goes directly toward honoring Amaya’s memory and easing a burden that no grieving family should have to face alone. Donations can still be made through the active GoFundMe campaign.

To Nikia, Teria, and everyone who loved Amaya Tillman, the New Jersey community extends its deepest condolences. May her memory be a blessing, and may her family find strength in the love that continues to surround them.