Seaside heights pedestrian injured in 2022 crash speaks out about recovery and transparency

A man who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle in Seaside Heights is sharing his story publicly as he continues his recovery nearly four years later.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — Sean Michael is speaking out about a pedestrian crash that occurred in Seaside Heights on June 11, 2022, saying the incident changed his life and continues to impact him today.

In a social media post published this week, Michael reflected on the day he was struck by a vehicle while walking back to his boat in Seaside Heights. He said he recently reviewed documents related to the incident that were provided by his attorney.

“As I read through the files my attorney provided, I realized that this incident didn’t make headlines or even get mentioned in local Facebook groups,” Michael wrote.

As a matter of protocol, the Seaside Heights Police Department is not as proactive in reporting incidents to the public as are many other police departments in New Jersey. This has long been suspected to be driven by the borough’s pressing desire to minimize negative incidents in the tourism-centric oceanfront community.

Survivor describes long recovery

According to Michael, the crash resulted in a severe diffuse traumatic brain injury.

“I’m here and alive today, navigating the challenges of a severe diffuse traumatic brain injury,” he said.

Michael said the experience has motivated him to become an advocate for greater transparency and accountability in government and law enforcement.

“This experience has fueled my determination to speak out and advocate for a more honest world,” he wrote.

Raises concerns about transparency

In his post, Michael questioned why the incident received little public attention at the time. He alleged that the Seaside Heights Police Department wanted the matter to remain out of public view, though he did not provide evidence to support that claim. The department rarely volunteers information regarding crime and politics to the media unless requested.

The Seaside Heights Police Department has not publicly responded to Michael’s allegations.

“We need our police and politicians to prioritize ethics over convenience, and I’m committed to raising my voice for change,” Michael wrote.

Call for accountability

Michael concluded his message by encouraging community members to support what he described as a culture of truth and accountability.

“Let’s work together to create a community where truth and accountability reign,” he said.

Details regarding the original crash, including the circumstances surrounding the collision and whether any charges were filed, were not immediately available.

Seaside Heights officials have not yet publicly reacted to Michael’s pleas.

Key Points

• Sean Michael says he suffered a severe traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle in Seaside Heights on June 11, 2022.

• Michael recently shared his story publicly, describing the long-term effects of the injury.

• He questioned why the incident received little public attention and called for greater transparency and accountability from public officials.

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