Pedstrian Accident Victim Dies; Upgraded Charges for Driver Possible

The Lanoka Harbor 61-year-old who was hit by a car while walking Route 9 eight days ago loses his struggle for life, leading to the possiblity of upgraded charges against the driver.

Kenneth Moeller died Monday night at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, according to information from the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Marcos A. Ortega, 33, of Little Egg Harbor, was originally charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash and causing serious bodily injury to another while driving under the influence. Bail at the time of his arrest was set at $150,000 with no option for release on payment of 10 percent.

Ortega's car was flagged to the side of the road at about 6:44 PM, which police estimated was about five minutes after the impact. Ocean Township Patrolman Kyle Flatt spotted someone lying on the vehicle's hood, which turned out to be Moeller, halfway through the windshield.

Ortega is believed to have left the northbound lane and crossed onto the shoulder, hit Moeller, and drove on for another mile and a half before being stopped, authorities said.