Teenager Fatally Hit on Route 70 in Lakewood
A tragedy occurred last evening in Lakewood, New Jersey, where a 15-year-old girl lost her life in a fatal car accident. The incident occurred just before 10:00 p.m. when Officer Christopher Dunphy of the Lakewood Police Department heard a loud bang and screaming while exiting a convenience store on Route 70. Upon investigation, Officer Dunphy discovered an unresponsive teenage girl lying in the roadway behind a 2006 white Lexus with severe front-end damage at the intersection of Route 70 and Vermont Avenue.
Hatzolah EMS volunteers arrived at the scene soon after and commenced life-saving measures. The patient was transported to Monmouth Medical Southern Campus Hospital, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries. Further investigation conducted by law enforcement revealed that the driver of the white Lexus was a 19-year-old man from Toms River, who was traveling west on Route 70 when he fatally struck the victim, who was walking south in the crosswalk at Vermont Avenue. The victim was accompanied by her mother and younger sister at the time of the accident.
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department are assisting in the ongoing investigation of the incident, and the driver of the 2006 Lexus has been cooperating with law enforcement. To date, no charges have been filed against the driver.
The accident highlights the importance of being vigilant while driving and obeying traffic rules and regulations. As the investigation continues, we caution motorists to exercise prudence while driving and avoid any distractions that may cause harm to fellow road users.
The tragic event has left the community in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time of loss. We extend our condolences and support to all affected by this unfortunate incident.
