The Lacey Township community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 17-year-old Tristan Baluski, a Lacey High School senior and dedicated welding student at OCVTS, who tragically died following a fatal accident. His passing has shaken countless people across Ocean County, prompting an outpouring of love, support, and remembrance for a young man whose spirit left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him.
In the wake of this tragedy, family friends—acting with the blessing of Tristan’s loved ones—created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will be used to establish a memorial scholarship in Tristan’s name through OCVTS, ensuring that his commitment to craftsmanship and hard work continues to inspire future welding students. The overwhelming response reflects just how deeply Tristan was loved and how profoundly he touched those around him.
Tristan was known for his warm heart, adventurous nature, and strong work ethic. Whether he was welding at OCVTS, putting in long hours at his landscaping job, exploring the outdoors, or finding freedom on his snowboard or motorcycle, he approached every part of life with passion and determination. His friends and teachers describe him as someone who worked hard, cared deeply, and brought joy and laughter wherever he went.
He had a natural ability to connect with people, leaving a positive impression on classmates, coworkers, instructors, and neighbors. Tristan’s enthusiasm for learning new skills, creating with his hands, and embracing every adventure made him a standout in both school and trade environments.
As Ocean County mourns, the community also celebrates the incredible young man Tristan was—driven, kind, talented, and full of promise. His loss is immeasurable, and the pain felt by his family, friends, and classmates is shared by the many hearts he touched during his short but meaningful life.
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