TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A tragic two-vehicle collision on Hooper Avenue late Thursday evening left two people dead and a young child injured, authorities confirmed.
The crash occurred around 8:45 p.m. on September 11 at the intersection of Hooper Avenue and Fischer Boulevard, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Officers were dispatched following reports of a serious collision, finding a scene marked by overturned vehicles and severe damage.
Details of the Crash
Investigators determined that a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by a 46-year-old man, crossed a grass median and collided with a 2025 Toyota RAV4 carrying a 28-year-old woman and her 4-year-old child. The impact caused the Toyota to overturn and come to rest in a wooded area along the east side of the roadway.
Emergency responders pronounced the Toyota driver dead at the scene. The child was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and is reported to be in stable condition.
The driver of the Chevrolet was also taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center and is reported to be in stable condition. A female passenger in the Chevrolet was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where she was pronounced dead.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad and Toms River Police Department are actively investigating the crash, with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased pending family notification and are continuing to examine factors that may have contributed to the collision, including speed, driver actions, and road conditions.
Community Impact
The sudden loss of two individuals and the injuries sustained by a young child have sent shockwaves through the Toms River community. Neighbors and witnesses described hearing the crash and arriving to a chaotic scene, expressing sorrow and concern for the families affected.
Officials have urged drivers to exercise caution and remain alert, particularly on busy roadways like Hooper Avenue, and reminded the public of the serious consequences that can result from traffic collisions.
Next Steps
Investigators continue to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage from the area to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the crash. Authorities are expected to release additional updates as the investigation progresses.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Toms River Police have asked anyone with information regarding the collision to contact their offices.
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