Elderly mays landing man killed after suv crashes into trees on harding highway
Yellow law enforcement tape isolating crime scene. Blurred view of city, toned in red and blue police car lights

Elderly Mays Landing man killed after SUV crashes into trees on Harding Highway

by
January 6, 2026
···

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. – An 83-year-old Mays Landing man was killed Monday morning when his vehicle veered off Harding Highway and struck several trees, according to the Township of Hamilton Police Department.

Police said the crash occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. near Nineteenth Street when a 2020 Cadillac Escalade driven by Leonard Spaeth Jr. left the westbound lane of U.S. Route 40 and ran off the roadway. Responding officers found the vehicle heavily damaged at the scene.

Spaeth was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Traffic in the area was diverted for about two hours as investigators and emergency crews worked at the crash site.

Assisting at the scene were the Township of Hamilton Rescue Squad, AtlantiCare Paramedics, the Mays Landing and Laureldale Fire Departments, and the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Hamilton Township Police Traffic Unit. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Officer McKnight at 609-625-2700.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.