Obituaries

Family Mourns Jim Callaghan, Who Lost His Life In Tragic Accident

Private celebrations of his life are planned in lieu of services for a man who will be deeply missed by so many.

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 on Thursdain 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.

His wife said for now, there are no services planned, as per her husband's wishes, "only celebrations of life. Those celebrations are being held privately with those who truly knew and loved him," she said.


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