Serious Motor Vehicle Accident

On Saturday April 6, 2019 at 6:17 PM, Walter Smith, 72 of Medford NJ, was operating a 2011 Harley Davidson in the center lane, westbound on Route 37 East.  Investigation revealed Mr. Smith entered the intersection of Coolidge Ave against a red traffic signal.  At the same time, Michael A. Koch, 66 of Toms River, was operating a 2015 Toyota Camry southbound on Coolidge Ave through the intersection with a green traffic signal, with his wife, Wanda Koch as a passenger.  Mr. Smith collided with the front driver quarter and hood of the Toyota Camry and was ejected from his motorcycle.  According to witnesses at the scene, Mr. Smith did not appear to be speeding and possible sunglare may have been a contributing factor to the accident.

Mr. Smith was flown to Jersey Shore Medical Center for an emergency surgery. He sustained severe pelvic fractures and is listed in critical condition.  He will be undergoing additional surgeries today.

The accident is being investigated by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Adam Koeppen.  Traffic westbound on Route 37 East was diverted onto Coolidge Ave for approximately one hour while the scene was active.