By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian strike that occurred early Friday morning on the Garden State Parkway in Essex County.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place just before 1 a.m. in the northbound lanes near milepost 146.5 in East Orange.
Troopers responding to the scene found a severely injured and unresponsive person lying in the roadway.
Authorities say the pedestrian was struck by at least two vehicles, both of which remained at the scene following the collision.
Investigators are still working to determine why the individual was on the highway at that hour.
All lanes were temporarily closed in the area as police conducted an on-site investigation. 
The identity of the victim has not yet been released, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.