County to Name Bike Trail for Autumn Pasquale

In life, Autumn Pasquale was known for racing around town on her beloved BMX bike. Now Gloucester County plans to honor the murdered 12-year-old’s passion by naming a bike trail for her.

Pasquale was killed in October, allegedly by two teen neighbors, after she disappeared while riding her bike.

“The tragic event that took place in Clayton affected so many people. Autumn Pasquale loved her bike and as a celebration of her life, I spoke with my colleagues on the freeholder board and we felt it fitting to name the county bike trail that runs through her town in her honor,” Freeholder Director Robert Damminger said in a statement.

“Nothing any of us can do can bring her back, but we can all keep her memory alive by honoring what she loved doing.”

The Autumn Pasquale bike trail would begin at the trail at the county’s Scotland Run Park in Clayton, and run from Fries Mill Road to Academy Street, up Garwood, past the high school and out to Delsea Drive, county officials said.

“The county has already been approved to extend the bike path through Clayton and the work will be completed by next spring. The three-mile stretch of bike trail will be beautiful, something we have been told that Autumn would have really enjoyed,” Freeholder Heather Simmons.

Freeholders will vote at their Nov. 20 meeting on the name dedication. Officials plan to hold a ceremony in the spring to unveil the new trails.