Year in Review: Most Popular Lacey Patch Stories in 2012

1. High School Senior Reported Dead

Dan DiFabio, a Lacey Township High School senior, was found dead in his Forked River home in December. The school district was immediately notified, coordinating its Crisis Management Plan for students in distress and in need of counseling. 

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Two were taken to the hospital for injuries, including a Lacey Township Special Officer, following two motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of Route 9 and Lakeside Drive South in Forked River in May.

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DiFabio, the Lacey Township High School senior who was found dead in his Forked River home, was known for his smile and humor. A candlelight vigil was held in DiFabio’s memory and a makeshift Facebook page has been created in his honor. He was rememberd on Facebook as a "sweetheart," "goofball" and "one of the nicest kids."

4. Lacey Pics & Clips

Readers made great use of our photo gallery, which is open for users to upload any photos from any event that may not otherwise be represented on the site. To use it, click above or click the "Pics & Clips" key at the top of the site.

5. Forked River Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash

Joseph Mollicone, 31, suffered fatal injuries after his motorcycle collided with a mini-van on Nautilus Boulevard near the intersection with Normandie Drive in Forked River in June.

6. 11 Arrested in Rash of Lacey Burglaries

Eleven Ocean County residents were arrested and charged in connection to the rash of burglaries that occurred over the course of two months in Lacey Township. From September to November, Lacey Police responded to 15 residential burglaries, most of which occurred during the daytime hours.

7. 3 Airlifted to Hospital After Head-On Collision

Two Forked River women and one Smithville resident were airlifted to a hospital after a head-on motor vehicle collision on Lacey Road in December. A Honda Accord and Chevrolet Cavalier were found in the westbound lane of Lacey Road and sustained significant front-end damage. Extrication was required and the patients were in serious condition.

8. 6 Busted in Clairmore Avenue Drug Raid

Five Lacey residents and a Floridian were busted after police executed an arrest warrant in February, finding narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

9. UPDATE: Forked River Man ID'd as Electrocution Victim

Rich Grande, a 20-year-old employee of JCP&L, was reportedly electrocuted from a high-tension power line in August. Grande was transported by ground to CentraState Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was remembered as a "good friend," "great guy," the "best neighbor," "respectuful" and "caring."

10. PHOTOS: Beach Boulevard Looked Like 'War Zone' After Sandy

Personal belongings lined the street as residents returned to find their homes severely damaged if not totaled after evacuating from what is said to be a 100-year storm.