Ocean County Tragedy: Woman Killed in Airborne Car Crash

Ocean County Tragedy: Woman Killed in Airborne Car Crash

5/13/25- According to the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, on May 13, 2025, Martine Taylor, Jr., 56, of Toms River, was charged with Causing Death While Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License in connection with a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Lakewood Township.

On May 13, 2025, at approximately 1:35 a.m., the Lakewood Township Police Department was contacted by the operator of a commercial tractor trailer who reported striking overhead utility wires while traveling eastbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue near the Garden State Parkway overpass.

Responding Officers located the utility disruption, and Jersey Central Power & Light was contacted to render the area safe. During the course of the investigation, Officers discovered a heavily damaged 2015 Nissan Altima upside down in a drainage ditch adjacent to the eastbound lane of Cedar Bridge Avenue.

Officers observed a male occupant, later identified as Taylor, entrapped within the vehicle. Taylor was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune for treatment of his injuries.

Officers also located a 52-year-old female victim entrapped in the passenger seat of the vehicle. The female was found to be unresponsive; life-saving efforts were attempted, but she was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Altima had been traveling westbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue prior to the crash. The vehicle crossed the double yellow centerline and entered the eastbound lanes of travel.

The vehicle then exited the roadway, became airborne, and cleared the guardrail - traveling an estimated 189 feet through the air. While airborne, the vehicle struck a utility pole, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage. The vehicle briefly made contact with the ground before becoming airborne again. During the second airborne phase, the vehicle struck a tree and ultimately came to an uncontrolled final rest on its roof in the drainage ditch.

Investigation revealed that Taylor’s driving privileges were suspended at the time of the crash. Additionally, in furtherance of the investigation, a draw of Taylor’s blood was obtained at JSUMC pursuant to a court-authorized warrant.

Taylor was served with the aforementioned charge via warrant at the hospital and was also issued multiple motor vehicle summons. Once Taylor is discharged from the hospital, he will be transported to the Ocean County Jail where he will be lodged pending a detention hearing.<.big>