CARNEYS POINT, N.J. – A Colorado man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he drove the wrong way on the New Jersey Turnpike early Sunday, causing a fiery collision that killed four teenagers.
Police identified the driver as 41-year-old Christopher Neff of Westminster, Colorado.
Officials said Neff was under the influence of alcohol and in possession of hollow point ammunition when his pickup truck slammed into the teens’ vehicle.
Key Points
- Four teenagers were killed in a wrong-way crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Carneys Point.
- Driver Christopher Neff of Colorado faces vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and weapons charges.
- Authorities say Neff’s blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.
Four teens killed in early morning collision
The victims were identified as 19-year-old Yaakov Kilberg and his passengers, 18-year-olds Aharon Lebovits and Shlomo Cohen of Lakewood, and 18-year-old Chaim Grossman of Fallsburg, New York. The crash occurred in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike when Neff, driving north in a southbound lane, collided head-on with their vehicle around 2 a.m.
Blood alcohol twice legal limit
Court filings reveal that first responders detected a strong odor of alcohol on Neff’s breath immediately after the crash. Tests later showed his blood alcohol concentration exceeded twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Investigators said surveillance footage from a nearby bar captured Neff consuming several alcoholic beverages before leaving about 30 minutes prior to the fatal wreck.
Charges and ongoing investigation
Neff has been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, and unlawful possession of hollow point ammunition. Officials said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Suspect hospitalized with serious injuries
Authorities confirmed Neff sustained severe injuries, including fractures to both legs and one arm, and remains hospitalized under police guard. Investigators are working to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision, which shut down part of the Turnpike for several hours as crews cleared debris and gathered evidence.
Family and friends of the victims gathered in Lakewood this week, mourning the loss of four young men whose lives were cut short just months after finishing high school.