TOMS RIVER: In today’s follow up to yesterday’s wild crash on NJ 37 near GSP- hold onto your hats, friends! Avery Murch from New Hampshire, sideswiped another vehicle as they both attempted to exit the Garden State Parkway at Exit 82. While this crash is common at this interchange, mainly due to the outdated short-spaced cloverleaf ramp system- Mr. Murch allegedly crashed while drunk and with drugs. Then he tried to flee, but crashed into the underpass wall, while possessing a revoked license. Do read on as TRPD sent us the official press release below.

TOMS RIVER: On Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, at approximately 4:00 PM police units were dispatched to Route 37 eastbound, near the GSP South entrance ramp for reports of a motor vehicle accident and downed pole. Avery Murch, 25 of Weare NH, and Thomas Holl, 32 of Toms River, were both traveling south on the Garden State Parkway at the intersection of Route 37. Mr. Holl had entered the right lane to access the exit ramp as Mr. Murch, who was driving to the left of Mr. Holl, also attempted to access the right exit lane. In the process, Mr. Murch’s vehicle sideswiped Mr. Holl’s vehicle and then continued onto the exit ramp.

After reaching Route 37 W eastbound, Mr. Murch’s vehicle exited the roadway to the right and struck a curb, then continued off road and struck a street sign and a utility pole. Mr. Murch attempted to flee east on Route 37 but subsequently hit a cement wall under the overpass, causing his vehicle to become totally disabled.


Mr. Murch was exhibiting signs of impairment and was arrested and charged with DWI, and his vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law. Mr. Murch was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Revoked Driver’s License, Failure to Report an Accident, Leaving the Scene of Property Damage, and Operating with Drugs in the Vehicle.


The accident is being investigated by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Robert Westfall.