LACEY TOWNSHIP — Officials have identified the driver killed in a single‑vehicle crash Wednesday morning after his car left the roadway, went through a residential fence, and struck a tree. Eric Olesen, 39, of Forked River, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lacey Township Police.

Crash Happened Just Before 8 AM

Police and emergency crews responded around 7:52 a.m. to the intersection of Lake Barnegat Drive North and Haines Street after receiving reports of a vehicle that had plowed through a fence and into a backyard before colliding with a tree. Lanoka Harbor EMS and Robert Wood Johnson paramedics also responded.

A preliminary investigation found that Olesen had been traveling east on Haines Street and was turning onto Lake Barnegat Drive North when his vehicle left the roadway. No other vehicles or injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation by the Lacey Township Police Department’s Fatal Accident Support Team, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Olesen Had Underwent Heart‑Related Procedure Two Days Before Crash

Additional reporting revealed that Olesen had undergone a pacemaker‑related surgical procedure just two days prior. In Facebook posts made Monday, he shared that surgeons replaced aging pacemaker leads and that he was recovering and feeling sore but optimistic. Police have not indicated any connection between the procedure and the crash, though the timing is part of the ongoing investigation.

Olesen was a member of the Forked River Moose Lodge and had recently expressed gratitude to friends and fellow members for their support.

Community Reaction & Condolences

News of Olesen’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends, neighbors, and members of the Moose Lodge community. Many described him as kind, friendly, and deeply involved in local activities.

Obituary & Funeral Arrangements

As of this time, no official obituary or funeral service details have been publicly released by the family or local funeral homes. This article will be updated immediately once arrangements are announced.

Police Request for Information

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer Tyler Walsh at the Lacey Township Police Department at 609‑693‑6636 ext. 2714 or email twalsh@laceypd.org.

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