Authorities have released the identity of the two victims killed in yesterday’s multi-vehicle crash.
According to authorities, on July 2nd shortly after 12 p.m., the Toms River Police Department responded to the intersection of Route 37 East and Hospital Drive for a report of a serious motor vehicle accident.
Upon their arrival, officers observed a 2010 Mercury Milan with heavy front-end damage pinned to the center Jersey barrier, along with a 2016 Ford F250 with heavy front-end damage overturned in the left lane. Medical and Fire personnel responded to assist and subsequently extricated multiple passengers from the Mercury, while the operator of the Ford F250 was able to climb through the windshield to safety.
Further investigation by the Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the 2010 Mercury Milan, operated by Doris Turlish, 85, of New Gretna, attempted to exit the Community Medical Center complex utilizing the easternmost exit. While exiting, Turlish accelerated to a high rate of speed, struck the curb divider between the entrance and exit lane, and entered Rt. 37 without yielding at a 90-degree angle heading straight for the center Jersey barrier. Once in the right travel lane on Rt. 37 east, she was struck on the driver’s side of the vehicle by the Ford F250 operated by William Minter, 42, of Lanoka Harbor.
Officials say Doris Turlish was pronounced dead at the scene, while Minter was transported to Community Medical Center for minor injuries.
According to authorities, the three passengers of the Mercury Milan were identified as Marjorie Santamaria, 86, of Toms River, Maryann Turlish, 87, of New Gretna and Maria Santamaria, 52, of Toms River.
Emergency crews transported Marjorie Santamaria to Community Medical Center where she was subsequently pronounced dead at 1:16 pm. Turlish and Maria Santamaria were both transported to the hospital and are listed in critical condition.