On Monday, May 2, 2022 at 9:40 PM, the Stafford Township Police Department responded to a motor vehicle vs. bicyclist collision on Route 72 westbound near the Garden State Parkway.

Investigation indicated that a 2012 Jeep operated by Ronald Sheehy, 55 years old of Waretown, N.J. was traveling west on Route 72, and transitioning into the far right lane to access the Garden State Parkway north ramp.

At this time, Sheehy contacted the bicyclist who was riding in the right, westbound lane of Route 72. The bicyclist was identified as Nelson Hoover, 61 years old of Little Egg Harbor, N.J.

As police arrived on scene, life saving measures were initiated on Mr. Hoover. He was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation does not indicate any careless operation or speed as a contributing factor in the collision by Sheehy. It was further observed that the bicyclist was wearing dark clothing, and the collision occurred in an area of Route 72 that was not well-lit.

Traffic was reduced to one lane during the investigation for approximately 2 hours.

The incident is under investigation by Officer Justin Pascale of the Traffic Safety Unit.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact him at [email protected].