John E. Hawley, Theresa Hawley Obituary, Death – A tragic crash Monday night in Burlington County resulted in the deaths of a couple after their vehicle plunged into a lake, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 7:54 p.m. on Route 206 in Shamong Township and involved two vehicles. One of the cars overturned off the roadway and landed in Atsion Lake, a body of water located just off the road and protected by a guardrail.
State Police spokesperson Charles Marchan confirmed that both occupants of the submerged vehicle were killed. The victims were identified as John E. Hawley and Theresa Hawley, both 66 and from Marlton. Public records indicate that the two were married. The other driver involved in the crash sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to authorities, the crash occurred at the intersection of Route 206 and Quaker Bridge Road. Investigators report that John Hawley was driving a Toyota passenger car westbound on Quaker Bridge Road when his vehicle collided with a Ford F-350 traveling southbound on Route 206. The impact caused the Toyota to overturn and enter the lake, creating a hazardous situation that required a significant emergency response.
The scene prompted the temporary closure of Route 206 for several hours while first responders and law enforcement worked to recover the vehicle and manage traffic. Emergency crews also focused on ensuring the safety of the area, as the overturned vehicle in the water created a particularly dangerous recovery scenario.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the specific factors that led to the collision. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials have yet to provide information on potential contributing elements such as speed, road conditions, or driver impairment. Law enforcement is also looking into the circumstances surrounding the intersection and how the vehicles came into conflict.
The crash has left the community reeling, particularly in Marlton, where the victims lived. Neighbors and residents expressed shock at the sudden and tragic loss, highlighting the vulnerability of drivers at busy intersections and the risks posed by roadside hazards near bodies of water.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could aid in the ongoing investigation to contact local authorities. Witness statements, surveillance footage, and other forms of evidence could prove critical in helping law enforcement determine how the collision occurred and in establishing a timeline of events leading up to the tragedy.
While the investigation continues, officials have emphasized that road safety is paramount, especially in areas with high traffic volumes and complex intersections. The loss of John and Theresa Hawley serves as a somber reminder of how quickly accidents can turn deadly, underscoring the importance of caution, attention, and adherence to traffic laws for all motorists.
