Gerald S. Yashinsky Jr. Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Cherry Hill are continuing to investigate a tragic pedestrian incident that occurred Monday evening, resulting in the death of a local resident. The collision took place shortly after nightfall along a busy stretch of Haddonfield Road, an area known for steady traffic and several intersecting neighborhood streets.
According to early reports from law enforcement, the incident happened around 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of Haddonfield Road and Yale Avenue. A man who was attempting to cross the roadway was struck by a vehicle traveling northbound. Conditions at the time included low evening light, and investigators are reviewing all environmental and traffic factors that may have contributed to the situation.
Emergency responders were dispatched immediately after the collision was reported. Upon arriving, they provided lifesaving care to the pedestrian, later identified by officials as Gerald S. Yashinsky Jr., 51, a resident of Cherry Hill. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, Yashinsky later passed away from his injuries. Local authorities publicly extended their condolences to his family, acknowledging the profound loss and the shock such an incident brings to a community.
The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and cooperated fully with arriving officers, according to the police department. No additional injuries were reported, and there is no indication of any attempt to flee or avoid responsibility. The driver’s cooperation will form part of the investigative review, as authorities work to determine the sequence of events and whether any contributing factors such as visibility, speed, or pedestrian right-of-way played a role.
Following the collision, Haddonfield Road was temporarily closed in both directions. This allowed the Cherry Hill Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit to conduct a detailed on-scene assessment. Such closures are standard procedure for serious crashes, ensuring that investigators can measure roadway evidence, document vehicle placement, and gather key information without interruption from traffic. The shutdown impacted local travel for several hours, but traffic was reopened after investigators completed the initial phase of their work.
Moving forward, the inquiry is being led by the Cherry Hill Police Department’s specialized traffic unit, with support from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and the regional Medical Examiner’s Office. Each agency contributes different expertise, from accident reconstruction to legal review and medical findings, ensuring that the final report accurately reflects the circumstances that led to the fatality.
Investigators are also seeking input from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or observed activity in the area shortly before it occurred. Public assistance often plays an important role in clarifying details that may not be immediately visible in physical evidence alone. While law enforcement has encouraged community members with information to reach out, contact methods have been omitted here to avoid sharing specific communication points that could pose cybersecurity risks.
Pedestrian safety continues to be a focus for many communities as traffic density increases and more residents rely on walking for transportation or exercise. Major roadways such as Haddonfield Road present particular challenges due to multiple lanes, higher travel speeds, and the mix of residential and commercial locations. Local authorities frequently review data from incidents like this one to assess whether additional safety measures—such as improved lighting, changes to crosswalk placement, or public awareness initiatives—may help reduce future risks.
As family members, friends, and community residents grieve the loss of Gerald Yashinsky, officials remain committed to completing a thorough and transparent investigation. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available through the ongoing review.
