On a Sunday morning in Belleville, New Jersey, the life of 37-year-old Erica Rae Voloshin was tragically cut short. On October 1, 2023, police responded to a call about a shooting on Meacham Street. Inside a residence, they discovered Erica, who had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after. A resident of Nutley and formerly of Wallington, she was a woman remembered for her vibrant and generous spirit.
Erica was a licensed funeral director, a career she was immensely proud of, having earned her degree in Mortuary Science from Mercer County Community College. Her colleagues and the families she served recalled her attention to detail and the deep rapport she built with those grieving. Beyond her profession, she was known for her kindness, often dedicating her time to feeding the homeless and her love for animals.
Her unique personality and 'morbid jokes' brought laughter and joy to her friends and family.
In the wake of the tragic event, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation that quickly led to an arrest. Scott Hurring, a 43-year-old man from Belleville, was taken into custody and charged with murder and unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with Erica's death. Her family, in their time of mourning, expressed their gratitude for the swift action of the prosecutor's office.
Erica Rae Voloshin is survived by her mother, grandmother, and brother, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends who will remember her for the light she brought into their lives. Her passion for life was evident in her varied interests, which included everything from arts and crafts to scary movies. Her untimely passing left a void in the hearts of all who knew her, a sentiment echoed by the outpouring of love and memories shared following her death.
