Driver in Fatal Jersey Shore Restaurant Crash Won’t Face Criminal Charges

Driver in Fatal Jersey Shore Restaurant Crash Won’t Face Criminal Charges

LAVALLETTE, NJ — Authorities said Wednesday that the driver whose SUV crashed into a Lavallette restaurant, killing a Toms River woman, will not face criminal charges.

Lavallette Police Chief Christian LaCicero said the 93-year-old driver was issued a summons for careless driving. Police have also asked the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to conduct another driving skills test for the woman.

According to Lavallette Police, the crash happened Saturday morning while the woman was parking at Meg’s Grill. She accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the SUV to quickly move forward, strike the outdoor dining area and then crash into the restaurant.

Ursula “Sandie” Keating, 56, of Toms River, died in the crash, while seven restaurant customers were injured, according to LaCicero. The owner of Meg’s Grill said Saturday that none of the restaurant’s employees were hurt.

Keating’s death led to an outpouring of support for her family, especially from the local first responder community. Her husband, John Keating Jr., serves as chief of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company and works with Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services.

Funeral services for Sandie Keating are scheduled for Friday at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, according to her obituary. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. The funeral home is located at 2482 Church Road in Toms River.

State Senator Jim Holzapfel, who represents New Jersey’s 10th District, said he intends to introduce legislation requiring restaurants to use protective barriers to help shield customers from vehicles, similar to the bollards commonly found outside convenience stores.

Holzapfel said outdoor dining is an important part of Shore communities but emphasized the need for added safety measures. He said restaurants with outdoor seating next to active roads should be required to have protective bollards or other approved barriers separating diners from traffic.