New Jersey couple dies after their car overturns and lands in a lake following a crash.
A tragic head-on collision in Shamong Township, New Jersey, resulted in the deaths of a couple on Monday night. John E. Hawley and his wife, Theresa Hawley, both aged 66, were involved in the accident at approximately 7:54 PM while traveling west on Quaker Bridge Road. Their vehicle, a Toyota, collided with a Ford F350 pickup truck driven by 21-year-old Derek Gantham, who was heading south on Route 206. According to state police, the impact of the crash proved fatal for the Hawleys, who resided in Marlton, New Jersey.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where it was reported that the collision’s force caused the Hawleys’ vehicle to flip and plunge into Atsion Lake. The lake is separated from the road by a guardrail, further complicating rescue efforts. The Toyota was discovered overturned in the water, with both occupants still inside. Gantham, the driver of the pickup truck, sustained only minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Authorities established a perimeter around the accident scene, resulting in the closure of Route 206 for several hours in both directions, while emergency crews worked to manage the situation. The highway remained closed until approximately 2:30 AM. The Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company, along with a number of other mutual aid partners, assisted at the site.
Details surrounding the crash remain limited as state police have not disclosed specifics regarding the circumstances of the collision, including the speed of the vehicles or potential fault in the incident. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the events leading up to this heartbreaking accident.
Shamong Township, located about 30 miles southeast of Philadelphia, is a community known for its residential neighborhoods and proximity to natural settings, including Atsion Lake. This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of road travel and the potential for sudden, life-altering events.
As the community mourns the loss of the Hawleys, local law enforcement encourages anyone with information about the crash to come forward. The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
