Westfield Community Fundraiser for Accident Victim

On August 29, Stavros Makris, 24, a Westfield resident who graduated from Rutgers University in 2025, suffered a life threatening accident while working on a roof. Makris fell and landed directly onto a railing, which impaled him through his side. The impact punctured his lung and caused severe trauma to his chest and ribs, including broken and dislocated ribs.

Emergency responders airlifted him by helicopter to the hospital for immediate treatment. Makris underwent emergency surgery on the day of the accident to repair damage to his lung and is scheduled to undergo another major surgery to reconstruct and stabilize his ribs. He remains hospitalized with very serious injuries and faces a long recovery ahead.

Devin Haughey, Makris's friend and roommate, started a Go Fund Me campaign to help with medical expenses and lost income. Haughey noted that Makris previously worked at Haughey Brothers Landscaping and an outdoor lighting company before starting his own business, Golden Roofing NJ, where he handled day to day field operations and sales.

Haughey stated that beyond surgeries, hospital care, specialists, medications, and follow up treatment, Makris faces an extended period where he cannot work or run his business normally.

Two days after creation, the fundraiser had garnered more than 460 donations and achieved over 15 percent of its $250,000 goal. Haughey emphasized the community response has been incredible and expressed gratitude to everyone who has donated or shared the campaign.

The outpouring of support reflects the strength of the Westfield community during times of crisis.

Union County Life covers Westfield community and giving efforts. Find more Westfield news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Devin Haughey

FAQ

Q: What happened to Stavros Makris?
A: On August 29, 2026, Makris suffered a serious roofing accident. He fell and landed on a railing that impaled him, puncturing his lung and causing severe chest trauma with broken and dislocated ribs.

Q: How was he treated?
A: Emergency responders airlifted him by helicopter to the hospital. He underwent emergency surgery on the day of the accident to repair his lung damage and is scheduled for major reconstructive surgery on his ribs.

Q: What is his current condition?
A: Makris remains hospitalized with very serious injuries and faces a long recovery period ahead.

Q: Why is there a fundraiser?
A: The fundraiser covers medical expenses, hospital care, specialist consultations, medications, follow-up treatment, and lost income during his extended recovery period when he cannot work.

Q: Who organized the fundraiser?
A: Devin Haughey, Makris's friend and roommate, started the Go-Fund-Me campaign.

Q: How much money is being raised?
A: The fundraising goal is $250,000.

Q: How much has been raised so far?
A: Two days after creation, the fundraiser had received over 460 donations and achieved over 15 percent of the $250,000 goal.

Q: What is Stavros Makris's background?
A: Makris is 24 years old, a Westfield resident, and a 2025 Rutgers University graduate. He previously worked for Haughey Brothers Landscaping and an outdoor lighting company before starting his own business.

Q: What business does Makris own?
A: Makris owns and operates Golden Roofing NJ, handling day-to-day field operations and sales.

Q: How can people help?
A: The Go-Fund-Me campaign is actively seeking donations to support Makris's medical care and recovery. People can donate or share the campaign with others in the community.

Q: How long is recovery expected to take?
A: Makris faces an extended recovery period where he cannot work or run his business normally during healing.