MIDLAND PARK, N.J. – Wayne Township resident Will Kearney became stranded in Peru after the country declared a national emergency because of the growing Coronavirus pandemic, which included strict quarantine and stay-at-home orders enforced by police and military personnel.
Unsure of where to turn, his mother sought the help of Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips who worked with Rep. Chris Smith and the federal state department to bring home his constituent.
Yesterday, DePhillips sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Later that night, the American Embassy told Will that he could catch the next flight back home to the U.S. He is expected to arrive at Washington-Dulles International Airport Friday night.
“I want to thank everybody involved for their hard work to bring Will home,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “During the Coronavirus crisis, New Jersey families want and need to be home together. I am thrilled that Will is on his way home from Peru to be reunited with his family.”
Will was visiting his aunt and uncle during spring break from Wesleyan University in Connecticut when COVID-19 forced a worldwide limit on travel.
“This is an inspiring example of state and federal government working together to help a family come together,” DePhillips concluded.