28-Year-Old Man Dies in Dirt Bike Accident at Manchester Location

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28-Year-Old Man Dies in Dirt Bike Accident at Manchester Location

Heritage Minerals, also known as ASARCO
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Accident at Prohibited Manchester Site Claims Life of Dirt Bike Rider


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The dirt bike was operated by 28-year-old Joseph W. Maffia of Brooklyn, NY.

Driver Killed in ASARCO Dirt Bike Crash

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at approximately 11:56 a.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to Heritage Minerals, also known as ASARCO, for a single dirt bike crash.

Upon arrival, officers observed a blue 2024 Yamaha YZ450F dirt bike on the ground in the sand. The operator of the dirt bike had been ejected and was found lying face down, unresponsive, by other dirt bike operators who began life-saving measures.

The dirt bike was operated by 28-year-old Joseph W. Maffia of Brooklyn, NY. The investigation determined that Mr. Maffia was riding a Yamaha dirt bike on private property in Asarco.

While riding, Mr. Maffia encountered the crest of a hill, which led to a steep, approximately ten-foot drop. As a result, he was ejected from the bike and collided face-first with a sand embankment.

Mr. Maffia was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the collision and sustained severe injuries.

He was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River by Manchester EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Assisting at the scene were emergency medical technicians from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Priced Rite Towing.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, but at this point, the unsafe operation of a dirt bike on private property is considered the primary contributing factor. This crash is being investigated by Ptl. Brendan Brush of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property.

In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to substantial fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.

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