Man in wheelchair killed crossing Route 9 in Lakewood, NJ

LAKEWOOD — A township resident in a motorized wheelchair was struck and killed and thrown 20 feet while crossing Route 9 early Friday morning.

Lakewood police spokesman Gregory Staffordsmith said Frederick Gillette, 58, was struck by a 2003 GMC Yukon about 12:30 a.m. at the intersection with John Street.

Gillette was pronounced dead at the scene, Staffordsmith said.

The driver of the Yukon, a 47-year-old Lakewood man, remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, according to Staffordsmith.

The circumstances of the crash and the identity of the driver were not disclosed and no charges have been filed.

The Lakewood Scoop, which was first to report the crash, said security video shows the impact threw the man 20 feet away.

There is a 7-Eleven store at the intersection on the southbound side of Route 9.

A picture of the crash shows heavy damage to the hood of the SUV or pickup nearly on top of the base of the wheelchair. The chair is separated from the base.

Staffordsmith said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information about the crash to call the Lakewood Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at 732-363-0200 ext. 5382.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

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Source: Man in wheelchair killed crossing Route 9 in Lakewood, NJ

Filed Under: lakewood, ocean county

Categories: New Jersey News