College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery

Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga, 21, died on Saturday, Oct. 5, her obituary from Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services said. She was a Class I special law enforcement officer with the Toms River Police Department.

According to a GoFundMe page, Rivera-Zuniga had a difficult recovery from tonsil surgery. She was hospitalized with meningitis and suffered two strokes.

The GoFundMe had raised more than $29,700 from at least 453 donations as of Wednesday, Oct. 9.

"Ingrid was facing severe illness with her family and friends by her side," wrote Nina Casalino, the fundraiser's organizer. "She unfortunately did not make it through this difficult time."

Rivera-Zuniga, a Toms River High School East graduate, had been with Toms River police for about a decade, starting in the department's cadet program.

"A tremendous ambassador for the Toms River Police Department, she was an incredible young lady who left her mark on everyone she came in contact with," the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said in a Facebook post. "You will be missed, Ingrid."

Rivera-Zuniga was a track and field athlete for three seasons at Georgian Court University, competing in the long jump, javelin, shot put, and the indoor 60-meter dash. The criminal justice major was named to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference's 2024 outdoor track and field all-academic team with a 3.69 GPA.

Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach said Rivera-Zuniga was previously a ride operator for several years at the Seaside Heights oceanfront amusement park.

"Our team will always remember that smile ❤️," the park posted on Facebook. "Our Casino Pier family is devastated by her passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time."

Funeral arrangements haven't been set as of press time.

You can click here to see the GoFundMe page for Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga.

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