By: Richard L. Smith
In an update to a tragic incident overnight, a pedestrian strike on the Garden State Parkway North claimed the life of a 16-year-old male from Newark.
NJ State Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
According to State Police Detective Jeffrey Lebron, the incident occurred at 9:24 p.m. Monday on the Garden State Parkway North 143C entrance ramp, specifically at milepost 145.2 in Irvington.
Troopers swiftly responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash at the scene.
Detective Lebrom said a preliminary finding from the investigation indicated that an unidentified vehicle was traveling northbound on the Parkway when a pedestrian unexpectedly entered the lane of travel.
Tragically, the pedestrian, a 16-year-old male from Newark, was struck by the unknown vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries.
That car reportedly fled the scene, and the driver remains at large.
At this point, Detective Lebron said it remains unclear why the teenager was on the busy highway at that particular time, and investigators are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the accident.
The New Jersey State Police are continuing their comprehensive investigation into the incident, hoping to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
As of now, no further details are available, but State Police authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
The Newark community mourns the loss of the young life, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim's family during this difficult time.