Members of a New Jersey high school baseball team are mourning the loss of their teammate after a fatal car accident in Lakehurst last week. According to police reports, the 17-year-old Jackson boy was killed when the vehicle in which he was a passenger collided with an SUV, ejecting him from the backseat. Two other 17-year-old baseball players were in the front seat of the car at the time of the car accident. They were treated for minor injuries and released from Community Medical Center in Toms River.
According to Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the force of the accident severed the car into two parts, throwing the victim from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The 41-year-old driver of the SUV was taken to Jersey Short University Medical Center in Neptune, where he remains in critical condition.
Police are investigating the accident to determine whether speed, drugs, alcohol, road condition or vehicle condition were possible causes of the crash. In addition, police will examine the driver’s status under the New Jersey Graduated Driver License Program, which stipulates a gradual introduction of driving privileges during a minor’s first year of driving unsupervised. Under the program, only one passenger is allowed during that first year, unless also accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The victim was a senior at Jackson Memorial High School, and was preparing for his freshman year at Kean University in the fall. Counselors are available to assist grieving students and faculty.
If you or a family member has been involved in a serious car accident, please contact Breslin & Breslin for a free consultation.
Source: The Star-Ledger, “Jackson high school baseball team mourns player who died in Lakehurst car crash,” 14 May 2011
