One Dead, Three Hurt in Toms River Three-Car Chain Collision

A Toms River man is dead and three other people are seriously injured in a midday three-car chain crash on Route 37 in the township.

Gary W. Miller, 58, died after being rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with injuries when his van careened into two cars stopped for a red traffic signal on the eastbound side of the highway near Saint Catherine Boulevard.

His passenger, Carl Johnson, 48, of Holiday City Berkeley, sustained extensive left leg injuries.

According to Patrolman Robert Westfall of Toms River PD Traffic Safety Division, the van showed no sign of attempting to brake as it hurtled toward the intersection.

The driver of the car that took the brunt of the impact, Catherine Davis, 40, of Forked River, was alone and sustained serious leg, neck and back injuries, says Westfall.

Her car was catapulted forward into a car driven by Shirley Good, 75, of Manchester. She suffered head, neck, back and leg injuries. Her passenger, Jimmy Crouch, 82, of Manchester, sustained chest injuries.

All three were admitted to Community Medical Center in Toms River.

Westfall says that a witness told investigators of trying to catch Miller's attention in a futile attempt to alert him to slow down. Police found no skid marks from the van, leading to the point of impact. Johnson, he says, was able to offer very little detail.

Police are likely to examine the wreckage of the van to determine if mechanical failure could have contributed to the tragedy.