Brick, NJ — A tragic incident shook the Brick Memorial High School community Tuesday morning after a student was struck and killed by a vehicle near the school in a hit-and-run crash.
The collision occurred around 6:50 a.m. at the intersection of Lanes Mill Road and Rhode Island Avenue, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Police responding to the scene found a juvenile bicyclist who had been struck by a vehicle that fled before officers arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Brick Township School District confirmed the student’s death, expressing deep condolences to the family. “This morning there was an accident that resulted in a tragedy for Brick Schools. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the student,” the district said. Officials added that grief counseling and support services were being made available for students and staff to help cope with the loss.
Traffic in the area was temporarily disrupted, with Lanes Mill Road near the high school closed for several hours while investigators conducted their work. Investigators determined that a 2021 BMW traveling northbound on Lanes Mill Road at a high rate of speed struck the bicyclist, who was riding westbound through a marked crosswalk.
Authorities later identified the driver as a juvenile, who was taken into custody and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death. The suspect is being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. Under New Jersey law, additional information regarding juveniles charged with delinquent acts cannot be released.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer praised the coordinated efforts of the prosecutor’s office, Brick Township Police, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for their work during the investigation. He reminded the public that the charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Brick community continues to mourn the loss of the young student and has been urged to support one another during this difficult time.