Ocean County Tragedy: Driver High on Opioids Causes Fatal Crash

Ocean County Tragedy: Driver High on Opioids Causes Fatal Crash

According to Ocean County Prosecutors Office, a Beachwood driver was charged with vehicular homicide when it was discovered that he was under the influence of methadone and fentanyl when he crashed in January, killing his passenger.

According to prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Anthony Krempel, 37, was also charged with driving while intoxicated, careless driving, and reckless driving after the crash on January 20, 2025.

According to Billhimer, Krempel was speeding on Grand Central Parkway at around 12 p.m. that day when his 2015 Chevrolet Equinox veered off the road and collided with a tree.

Emmanuela Fuchs, 34, of Beachwood, was the car's passenger. She was transported to the hospital, where she passed away from her wounds, according to Billhimer. A blood sample was taken when Krempel was transported to Community Medical Center after first responders observed that he appeared to be intoxicated.

On March 17, the findings of that blood draw showed that Krempel was impaired to drive because he was under the effect of methadone and fentanyl, according to Billhimer.

Krempel has a long history of drug and traffic violations, going all the way back to 2005, according to court documents.

On March 25, Krempel was arrested at his Beachwood residence after being charged with vehicular homicide. He is currently awaiting a detention hearing at Ocean County Jail.