Toms River, NJ (May 26, 2025) – A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded in Ocean County over the weekend after a deadly crash occurred along Route 37 in Toms River. On Saturday night, May 24, Toms River police were dispatched to the area near the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge after a vehicle crashed near the Aqua Blu restaurant, leading to fatal consequences.
According to prosecutors, Abel Mathukutty, an 18-year-old resident of Lake Hiawatha, is now facing serious charges in connection with the crash. The charges include leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death and another count for leaving the scene that caused serious bodily injury. Authorities state the teen fled following the wreck.
Police reports reveal that at approximately 7:25 p.m., a white Mercedes sedan crashed into a utility pole. Inside the vehicle were a female driver and a male passenger, both suffering from significant injuries. Emergency personnel responded swiftly, transporting the woman and the man to Community Medical Center in Toms River. Tragically, the female driver succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The male passenger was subsequently transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he remains in critical condition.
Officials have launched a full investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to the collision and what role Mathukutty may have played prior to fleeing. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and witness accounts.
We hope those hurt in this accident recover rapidly.
Fatal Car Accidents in New Jersey
Car accidents continue to be a leading cause of fatalities in New Jersey, with thousands of collisions reported each year. In 2022 alone, more than 700 people lost their lives in traffic-related incidents across the state, according to data from the New Jersey State Police. Many of these crashes involve reckless or negligent behavior such as speeding, intoxicated driving, or failure to obey traffic laws. To learn more about traffic safety initiatives and updates in New Jersey, residents are encouraged to visit official state resources.
Accidents like this one often lead to questions and legal complications. Here are some key facts about hit-and-run crashes:
- Legal Ramifications for Fleeing the Scene: Leaving the scene of an accident that causes injury or death is a felony in New Jersey. Those found guilty can face prison time, heavy fines, and license suspension. These laws are in place to hold people accountable and ensure that injured parties get necessary aid.
- Impact on Victims and Families: Victims left behind in hit-and-run crashes often suffer not only physically but emotionally, as the lack of accountability compounds the trauma. Families dealing with loss must navigate unexpected grief while seeking justice.
- Investigation Challenges: Hit-and-run investigations can be complicated, requiring surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence to identify suspects. Quick reporting by bystanders can be crucial to solving such cases.
- Insurance Issues: Victims of hit-and-runs often face complications when filing insurance claims. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide support, but navigating this process without legal help can be overwhelming.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a fatal accident, it’s essential to reach out to a wrongful death attorney in New Jersey. Time is critical, especially in cases involving hit-and-run drivers where evidence can quickly disappear. An experienced attorney can help families explore compensation options, hold responsible parties accountable, and manage the often overwhelming legal process. Don’t wait until investigations lose momentum—having legal support early on makes a substantial difference.
At Metro Law, we understand that tragedies like this change lives in an instant. With nearly 40 years of experience, Robert Solomon and our legal team are dedicated to supporting injury victims and grieving families throughout New Jersey and New York. Whether you were harmed in a car accident, injured at work, or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. We handle all types of injury claims and are committed to delivering the results our clients deserve. Let Metro Law be your trusted voice during this difficult time. We offer free consultations and invite you to call our team at 800-469-6476 to begin the process of healing through justice.
