OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Two of the three people who died following a major two-vehicle crash early Saturday in Lakewood have been identified, according to Daily Voice.
The fatal collision took place at the intersection of Cedar Bridge Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue at around 2:20 a.m.
A preliminary investigation indicates 23-year-old Jayla Ortiz, of Lakewood, was driving a 2009 Honda Accord eastbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue. Authorities said multiple other young adults and teens were also traveling in the Honda: 18-year-old Mylani Theibault, also of Lakewood, in the passenger seat; Alexis Holloway, 23, of Berkeley Township; Ceasia Jefferson, 24, of Neptune; and a 17-year-old of Lanoka Harbor whose identity remains undisclosed.
Authorities said Ortiz failed to stop a red light at the intersection moments before the Honda collided with a 2008 Dodge pickup truck. The force of the crash caused the Dodge to overturn and split in two. The Honda, which was sent off the roadway, struck a metal traffic signal pole that also caused it to break into two.
First responders pronounced both Ortiz and Jefferson deceased at the scene.
Thiebault, Holloway, and the 17-year-old male victim were rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune, where the teen boy later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities said Thiebault was last listed in stable condition and Holloway remains critical.
The driver of the Dodge, a 56-year-old Lakewood resident, was treated for minor injuries at JSUMC.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit – Vehicular Homicide Squad and the Lakewood Township Police Department continue to investigate.
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Note: This blog reports on the types of cases our firm has extensive experience handling. It is painful to learn of the prevalence of these serious accidents, and it is our sincere hope that future catastrophes can be avoided. Our blog posts are written from scouring recent news stories. As more information is revealed, these stories may be updated. If the information in this blog article is outdated or false, please let us know so we can add updates or corrections.
Disclaimer: By showing the frequency of these serious accidents, Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers hopes that more will be done to prevent them. Another aim is to give readers information that can be used to help them reduce the likelihood they are involved in a serious accident. Content on our blog is not legal advice.