Vorhees family creates non-profit in wake of son’s death 

VORHEES, N.J. (PIX11) — A family in Vorhees, New Jersey, is trying to turn their pain into purpose following the tragic death of their son.

Twenty-year-old Dylan Geller passed away on July 27th after suffering a seizure while jet-skiing in Atlantic City. “This week has been the worst week of our lives,” said Sydney Geller, Dylan’s older sister. 

“I had lost sight of him, and I spent like 20 minutes trying to find him,” said Chase Geller, Dylan’s younger brother, who was with him at the time. “I came back and eventually found him next to the jet skis in the water.” 

Geller lived with epilepsy, but had not suffered a seizure in several years. The Geller family said Dylan lived a full life in spite of his diagnosis. He was preparing for his junior year at Rowan University, where he was studying special education. 

“He wanted to be a special needs gym teacher,” said Chase. 

“Dylan was supposed to volunteer at a special-needs camp next weekend,” said Sydney. “We found his application. He was supposed to leave yesterday.” 

Less than 24 hours after Geller’s death, younger brother Chase created a non-profit organization called ‘Do It Like Dylan.” It will provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in special education. A GoFundMe page has already raised more than $50,000.

“We’re in talks with creating a scholarship with Rowan,” said Chase. “We’re also going to try to create a scholarship at Eastern as well, his high school.” 

The family is also trying to partner with sports teams.

“He loved sports a lot,” said older brother Austin Geller. “He was a sports fanatic.” 

“We’re going to try to start some sponsorships and partnerships with the Eagles and the Phillies and sports teams in the area,” said Chase.

Dylan’s mom, Dawn Geller, said she and her husband eventually want to lobby for legislation requiring Type I life jackets while jet skiing. 

The U.S. Coast Guard classifies life jackets, or personal floatation devices, into five different types. Dylan’s mom said her son was wearing a Type III life jacket, which does not help the wearer maintain a face-up position.

“One of our ultimate goals is to have a law – a Dylan’s Law – where, if you buy a jet ski or you rent a jet ski, you must be in a Type I jacket,” explained Dawn. “When you fall into the water, it flips you over automatically.” 

Ultimately, the family wants to preserve Dylan’s spirit and pass on his zest for life to others. 

“Dylan was just a kind kid who was never upset at anybody,” said Chase. 

“It was just in his DNA to be happy and good and serve the community, and he was just built different,” said Sydney.