The driver of the Honda Accord who crashed into the trees on the side of Interstate 78 westbound in Somerset County Saturday night was driving at an extremely high rate of speed with his 9-year-old son in the car, initial investigation reveals.
That crash resulted in the death of the driver, Stephen Weekes, 34, of Bethlehem, P.A., and his son Anthony Weekes, 9, of Jamaica, N.Y., who were both declared dead at the scene.
Stephen Weekes blew past a marked troop car on patrol at approximately 8:45 p.m. on July 11. The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to catch up to the speeding car, which was traveling well over 100 mph. The trooper was trying to safely close the distance for over three miles, but was still a long distance away when the Honda struck the side of a Hyundai Elantra and then careened off into the trees to the right side of the highway.
Both occupants of the Honda were declared at the scene. The Hyundai driver, George Frisoli, 22, of Basking Ridge, and his passenger, Calvin Spann, 23, of Maywood, exited their vehicle after the collision. The Hyundai was in the left shoulder and left lane.
Eliza Deck, 32, of Clinton, lost control of her Porsche Boxster as she approached the Hyundai and went off to the left side of the road, striking Frisoli and Spann (as pedestrians) and their car.
Both cars ended up in the center median. Frisoli was transported by Northstar to Morristown Medical Center. Spann and Deck also went to the same hospital by ambulance. All are in stable condition.
It is still unknown why Stephen Weekes was traveling at such a high rate of speed, especially with a child in the car. There was evidence in the car indicating possible intoxication, but the medical examiner's lab tests will not be complete for several weeks.
The State Police Fatal Crash Investigation, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Investigation Office, and Somerville Station personnel are continuing the investigation in cooperation with the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.
Photo: CBS
Related Story: https://www.rlsmedia.com/article/police-investigating-double-fatal-crash-interstate-78-warren-twp