Morristown Firefighter Dies 18 Months After Bicycle Crash

Michael Heaney may have only lived for 26 years, but in his relatively short time on Earth he carved out a legacy of volunteerism that touched many lives.

But Heaney's struggle ended on Nov. 9 when he died due to complications from a bicycle accident in Morris Township 18 months ago. Heaney's bike collided with a 2008 Toyota RAV 4 driven by Judith Lewis, 64, of the Convent Station section of Morris Township at about 9:55 a.m. April 11, 2012.

Heaney was raised in Voorhees as a youth and was a 2005 graduate of Bishop Eustace Prep School and a 2009 graduate of The College of New Jersey.  A nationally ranked swimmer, Heaney was the captain of both his high school and college teams. He began his swimming career at Downs Farm Swim Club in Cherry Hill and Heaney was also a member of the Camden County YMCA.  

In addition to swimming, Heaney participated in numerous endurance races such as tough mudders and triathlons and was a certified skydiver. Living in Morristown and working in Basking Ridge, Heaney was also a volunteer firefighter for Morristown. After his accident, those in Heaney's life rallied around him.

According to a report on Philly.com, Verizon coworkers organized a blood drive for him with New Jersey Blood Services, which on June 5, 2012, collected 117 pints from the firm's employees.

The College of New Jersey swimming community organized a one-mile open "Meters for Mike event in 2012 and again in 2013 in Belmar to raise funds for his medical treatments.

Brian Bishop, TCNJ Men’s Head Coach, told the website Swim Swam “the opportunity to support a member of our own TCNJ Lion’s Swimming Family by participating in the 1500 Meters for Mike event is truly a moving experience for our entire team.  Even though none of the current athletes swam with Mike, the bond they feel with him through stories passed on by those who did have left an indelible mark on their lives and made everyone feel as though the were his teammate. We are honored to help Mike in any way we can and humbled by the immense outpouring of support from the swimming community as a whole.”

Mike's mother, Sheila Heaney, told Philly.com her son was a volunteer at Special Olympics events in Verona and the College of New Jersey.

"He would have given the shirt off his back to those in need," Sheila Heaney said. "He could light up a room."

Donations may be made to the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, Second Floor, 825 Georges Rd., North Brunswick, N.J. 08902.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.healeyfuneralhomes.com