Runners Raise Funds For Jim Callaghan's Wife, Children

Almost a week after Jamesport resident and avid runner Jim Callaghan lost his life after being struck on Route 25, fellow joggers have come together to help those he left behind.

The runners have created a page on YouCaring.com to help raise funds for Callaghan's wife Jennifer and his four children.

"Jim was one of those people who didn't have to ask why you loved to run so much. He understood the passion and feeling that bonds all of us as runners," wrote the Selden Hill Warriors, who created the page. "In the end, he was out doing one of the things he loved the most . ..  running. I'm sure he would remind us that we are all at risk when sharing the roads; stay vigilant and take care of each other."

So far, the page has raised $1,197 of its $10,000 goal.

Days after Jim Callaghan died tragically in a Laurel accident while jogging, his wife shared her heartbreak.

"Jim Callaghan was one of a kind. He was the one true love of my life and he will forever be in my heart and soul," said Jennifer Garrett-Callaghan Saturday. "He was a wonderful loving father of four beautiful children. An avid runner, comedian, and all around great guy. He will be be missed by all who loved him every second of every day for the rest of our lives."

Callaghan, 49, of Jamesport, was killed on Route 25 in Laurel last Thursday in a traffic accident during the pre-daylight hours Thursday morning while jogging in dense fog conditions, police said.

While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, police said it appeared that Callaghan was struck by two westbound vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Southold Town police and detectives, as well as personnel from Suffolk County's District Attorney's vehicular  crime bureau, crime lab, police department crime scene section, police emergency services section and the medical examiners' office, all responded to the scene. 

Police said it appears that Callaghan was lying in the roadway when struck by the two vehicles. Investigators are considering the possibility that Callaghan may have been struck first by a vehicle that left the scene or that some type of medical condition or emergency caused him to be on the roadway. 

Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to call Southold Town police detectives at (631) 765-2600.