Life Flight Called After Whiting Man Struck, Airlifted With Severe Injuries

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP – A 43-year-old Whiting man is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle and thrown approximately 50 feet during a Sunday night crash in the Whiting section of Manchester Township, according to police.

Manchester Township Police say the crash occurred at approximately 9:37 p.m. on August 9, 2026, at the intersection of County Route 530 and Swift Circle. Responding officers arrived to find a gray 2013 Toyota Camry with significant front-end damage and an unresponsive pedestrian lying in a grassy area near the roadway.

Investigators determined the Camry was traveling westbound on CR 530 when the pedestrian, identified as Richard J. Fescharek, 43, of Whiting, entered the roadway directly in front of the vehicle. The impact propelled Fescharek roughly 50 feet toward the northwest corner of the intersection.

The driver, 63-year-old Rocco Lanzetti of Wrightstown, was not injured.

Fescharek sustained multiple potentially life-threatening injuries. Manchester EMS, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s CSI Unit assisted at the scene. A Life Flight Medevac helicopter transported Fescharek to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for emergency treatment.

Accurate Towing also responded, and the roadway remained partially closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.

Police say improper pedestrian crossing appears to be a contributing factor, though the investigation remains active. The case is being handled by Patrolman Anthony DeBlasio of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.