Hurt After Riding in Charity Event
A Marmora firefighter was injured in an accident in Franklin Township, Gloucester County, while returning to Cape May County after taking part in a charity ride on his motorcycle on Sunday, Oct. 13.
The accident occurred just before 1 p.m. on Route 55 in Franklin when a car started drifting into the left lane where Phil Ferretti, 44, a member of the Jersey Coast chapter of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club as well as a volunteer firefighter, was driving his custom 2007 Harley-Davidson soft-tail motorcycle.
Shawn Baker, president of the Nam Knights chapter, said the car’s driver told State Police she felt herself drifting left and decided to go into the left lane entirely, and did not see Ferretti, whose club nickname is “Snowman.”
Baker said the group had finished the Gloucester County Heroes Scholarship Foundation Ride, what they call the “Ride to Remember,” benefitting emergency services personnel and their families.
Ferretti’s wife, Jenny Ferretti, who was at work at the time of the crash, said he turned to avoid the car and ended up on the shoulder, then laid down his motorcycle rather than hit the car. She said the driver pulled over and called 911.
As a result of the accident, Ferretti suffered a fractured skull, broken facial bones, a broken arm and broken fingers. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital – Camden, where he underwent surgery for some of his injuries.
He was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, Oct. 20, and is recovering at his parents’ home in Ocean City for the time being, his wife said.
On Oct. 16, Stacey Kelly, Jenny Ferretti’s niece, posted her thanks to all who shared information and who donated via GoFundMe to help cover Ferretti’s expenses, and for their prayers. Kelly said Ferretti has a long road ahead of him.
“But as we all know, he’s a warrior,” she said via the GoFundMe page.
“He had an angel on his shoulder on Sunday [Oct. 13], and we are beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and support. Please keep sending those prayers, they are definitely working.”
Ferretti is a veteran of the Marine Corps and the New Jersey National Guard. He joined the Nam Knights after the organization opened up membership to other veterans.
He is a truck driver and warehouse worker with Harrison Beverage Co. Jenny Ferretti said the owner of Harrison Beverage personally called to check on him.
Ferretti was a firefighter in Seaville before becoming a member of the Marmora Volunteer Fire Company. He and his wife have three children and live in Upper Township.
One of their children, a daughter, is chronically ill with amplified musculoskeletal pain syndrome and cyclic vomiting syndrome. Jenny Ferretti said treatments for her wiped out their savings this year.
As of Monday, Oct. 21, the GoFundMe had raised $5,910 toward a $10,000 goal. Those wanting to donate or follow the story of Ferretti’s recovery can visit https://gofund.me/e20cd137.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
