Craig Parson, Debra Wright Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identities of two pedestrians who were fatally struck while crossing Fischer Boulevard in Toms River on Tuesday night.
According to police, 72-year-old Craig Parson and 68-year-old Debra Wright, both residents of Toms River, were crossing the roadway from east to west when they were hit. The incident occurred just north of Hazelwood Road at approximately 6:55 p.m. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported both victims to Community Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead from their injuries.
The driver involved in the crash has been identified as 18-year-old Sholto Roach, also of Toms River. Police reports indicate that Roach was traveling northbound on Fischer Boulevard when he struck Parson and Wright in the right travel lane. Authorities have not specified the speed at which Roach was driving or any potential contributing factors to the crash.
Roach sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. No citations or charges have been issued at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the crash, Fischer Boulevard was closed for approximately three hours as authorities conducted an on-site investigation. The Toms River Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit, led by Officer Eric Nelson, is handling the case. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office are assisting with the investigation.
Authorities have not yet determined whether any factors such as visibility, road conditions, or driver impairment played a role in the accident. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement as the investigation continues.