Authorities have identified the two pedestrians who were fatally struck while crossing Fischer Boulevard in Toms River on Tuesday night. The victims, 72-year-old Craig Parson and 68-year-old Debra Wright, both residents of Toms River, were crossing the roadway from east to west when they were hit by a vehicle. The tragic incident occurred just north of Hazelwood Road at approximately 6:55 p.m.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported both victims to Community Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead from their injuries. The driver involved in the crash has been identified as 18-year-old Sholto Roach, also of Toms River. According to police reports, Roach was traveling northbound on Fischer Boulevard when he struck Parson and Wright in the right travel lane. Authorities have not yet specified the speed at which Roach was driving or whether any factors such as visibility, road conditions, or driver impairment contributed to the crash.
Roach sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. As of now, no citations or charges have been issued, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the crash, Fischer Boulevard was closed for approximately three hours as authorities conducted an on-site investigation. The Toms River Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit, led by Officer Eric Nelson, is handling the case. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are assisting with the investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation. This tragic loss has left the Toms River community in mourning, as friends and family remember Parson and Wright as beloved members of the community.
As the investigation continues, officials will work to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash. Our thoughts are with the families of Craig Parson and Debra Wright during this incredibly difficult time. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.