A 75-year-old Whiting man died after his SUV left the roadway and crashed into a tree early Friday morning, police said.
Manchester Township, NJ – A Whiting man died after a single-vehicle crash early Friday morning at the intersection of Pinewald Keswick Road and Crestwood Parkway, according to the Manchester Township Police Department.
Officers responded to the crash around 5:37 a.m. and found a 2019 GMC Terrain that had left the roadway and struck a tree head-on after traveling onto the grassy shoulder.
Key Points
• Crash occurred around 5:37 a.m. at Pinewald Keswick Road and Crestwood Parkway
• 75-year-old Michael Martin of Whiting later died from his injuries
• Police say an obstructed windshield view may have contributed to the crash
Vehicle left roadway during turn
The initial investigation determined the GMC Terrain had been traveling westbound on Crestwood Parkway. Police said the driver stopped at the stop sign and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Pinewald Keswick Road.
While making the turn, the vehicle went out of control and entered the northbound lane of Pinewald Keswick Road. The SUV then traveled onto the grassy shoulder and struck a tree.
Driver later died at hospital
The crash caused moderate damage to the front passenger-side bumper of the vehicle and deployed the driver-side front airbag.
The driver, identified as 75-year-old Michael Martin of Whiting, suffered internal injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center. Authorities said he later succumbed to those injuries and was pronounced dead.
Investigation ongoing
Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services and paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital assisted at the scene. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit and Priced Rite Towing also responded.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and an obstructed view of the windshield is believed to be the primary contributing factor in the crash. The incident is being investigated by Patrolman Anthony DeBlasio of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit.