An Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office detective injured in a fall last week has died.
Detective Sgt. Eric Wise, 44, had been hospitalized since last Monday night.
A GoFundMe set up for the family quickly surpassed the original $50,000 goal as the community came together for the man who "spent his life serving and protecting others — both in his professional role as a detective and in his personal life as a loving husband and father," wrote Greg Henderson, who organized the GoFundMe.
Wise previously worked for the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office, where he "exemplified the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood," according to a post on the office's Facebook page.
"Sgt. Eric Wise was not only a great detective but an even greater human being," Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds told BreakingAC. "A devoted father, loving husband and dedicated public servant, he served the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office with honor and integrity.
"His wisdom and kindness touched so many lives," he continued. "He will be dearly missed but never forgotten."
Wise leaves behind his wife, Antonia (Culmone) Wise and daughters, Abigail and Kaelen.
He was born in Philadelphia and graduated Stockton University in 2004 with a degree in criminal justice, according to his obituary.
A viewing will be held beginning at 9:30 a.M. Wednesday at St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church, 331 8th St. S, Brigantine. A funeral Mass will follow at noon.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the college funds of Abigail and Kaelen at www.ugift529.com, codes S69-Y9W or J7K-H9M, respectively.
CLICK HERE to donate to the GoFundMe.
