Horrific Airborne Crash in Lakewood Claims Woman’s Life, Toms River Driver Charged

A 52-year-old woman died and a Toms River man faces criminal charges following a catastrophic single-vehicle accident early Tuesday morning in Lakewood. Martine Taylor Jr., 56, has been charged with causing death while driving with a suspended driver’s license after the vehicle he was operating became airborne and traveled nearly 200 feet before coming to rest upside down in a drainage ditch, according to Asbury Park Press.

The tragic incident occurred around 1:35 a.m. on May 13 near the Garden State Parkway overpass on Cedar Bridge Avenue, when Taylor’s 2015 Nissan Altima crossed the double yellow centerline, became airborne, and ultimately crashed after striking a utility pole and tree during its flight path.

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Crash Discovery and Emergency Response

Authorities discovered the crash scene while responding to an unrelated incident in the area. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, police were initially contacted by a tractor-trailer driver who reported striking overhead utility wires while traveling eastbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue near the Garden State Parkway overpass.

While investigating the utility disruption and securing the area with Jersey Central Power & Light personnel, officers discovered the heavily damaged Nissan Altima upside down in a drainage ditch adjacent to the eastbound lane of Cedar Bridge Avenue. Both Taylor and his female passenger were found entrapped in the vehicle.

Emergency responders worked quickly to extricate Taylor from the wreckage, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite rescue efforts, the female passenger was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. As of publication, authorities had not released the identity of the deceased woman.

Airborne Trajectory and Crash Investigation

Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit conducted a detailed analysis of the crash site, revealing a dramatic sequence of events leading to the fatal impact.

The investigation determined that Taylor’s vehicle had been traveling westbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue before crossing the double yellow centerline and entering the eastbound lanes. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle became airborne and cleared the guardrail, traveling an estimated 189 feet through the air before striking a utility pole, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage.

According to Shore News Network, the car briefly made contact with the ground before becoming airborne a second time. During this second phase of flight, the vehicle struck a tree before ultimately coming to rest upside down in the drainage ditch.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Taylor has been charged with causing death while driving with a suspended driver’s license in connection with the crash. Investigators determined that Taylor’s driver’s license was suspended at the time of the incident, adding to the severity of the legal consequences he now faces.

In addition to the criminal charge, Taylor was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses. Authorities obtained a blood sample from Taylor at the hospital under a court-authorized warrant as part of their ongoing investigation to determine if additional factors might have contributed to the crash.

Taylor was formally charged while at the hospital and served with a warrant. Once medically cleared, he will be transported to the Ocean County Jail and held pending a detention hearing. The specific date for this hearing has not yet been announced.

Driver Background

According to local reports, Taylor is known in the community as a homeless advocate who has worked with individuals in need in downtown Toms River. The Shore News Network reported that Taylor had been affiliated with former Governor Jim McGreevey’s NJ Re-entry program, which works with former inmates to help them reintegrate into society.

This connection raises additional questions about the circumstances leading to Taylor’s license suspension and the events preceding the fatal crash. Authorities have not yet released further details about Taylor’s driving history or the specific reasons for his license suspension.

Ongoing Investigation

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that their investigation into the crash remains active. Prosecutor Billhimer commended the collaborative efforts of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

As with all criminal cases, the prosecutor’s office reminded the public that the charges against Taylor are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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