MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A head-on collision along County Route 539 on Thursday claimed the life of a 77-year-old Whiting man and left another driver with minor injuries, Manchester Township Police said.
Officers responded to the crash near mile marker 26.5 on June 19 and found a grey 2016 Toyota Tacoma with extensive damage on the northbound dirt shoulder, and a blue 2024 Ford Maverick in the woods off the southbound side of the road.
The driver of the Toyota, 55-year-old Jose Rodriguez-Morales of Levittown, PA, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center. His passenger, 39-year-old Jesus Torres, also of Levittown, was not injured. Both were wearing seatbelts.
Ford driver suffered medical emergency before crash
The driver of the Ford Maverick, identified as Danny R. Coleman, 77, of Whiting, is believed to have suffered a medical emergency prior to the crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined the Ford was traveling south on County Route 539 when it crossed over the centerline and struck the rear driver side of the northbound Toyota. The Toyota overturned and came to rest on the northbound shoulder. The Ford continued southbound off the road and struck a tree before coming to a stop in the woods.
Emergency crews responded, road closed for hours
The crash prompted a multi-agency response, including Manchester Township Fire and EMS, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Ocean County Road Department, and Priced Rite Towing.
County Route 539 was closed for several hours while the scene was cleared and the investigation was conducted.
