Surviving driver of fatal Toms River crash charged with manslaughter

A driver from Jackson who survived a fatal three-way crash on July 14 in Toms River faces a charge of aggravated manslaughter.

Jack Kennedy Jr., 34, was apprehended without incident at his home early today, according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Investigators allege that Kennedy was under the influence of an opiate during the crash that resulted in the death of Michael Gormley, 60, of Lanoka Harbor.

Kennedy was placed in the Ocean County Jail, with bail set at a full $200,000 cash, facing additional counts of driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, failure to maintain a marked lane, and failing to have his vehicle properly inspected.

Investigators determined that Kennedy's Nissan XTR, traveling south on Whitesville Road, crossed the center yellow dviding line, crashing head-on into Gormley's northbound Chevrolet Malibu.

Also injured was Dawn Kavchok, 45, of Manchester, driving behind Gormley's car in a 2015 Kia, who swerved but was unable to avoid impact.

Gormley died of his injuries. Kennedy was hospitalzed at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune. Kovach was treated at Community Medical Center in Toms River.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are considered innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.