An unlicensed juvenile driver was allegedly traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour before crashing into another vehicle in Toms River, resulting in a fatal crash, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, March 7, at the intersection of Routes 37 and 166.
The juvenile, whose identity has not been released due to their age, was arrested at the scene and charged with manslaughter, assault, and several other offenses following the crash. The authorities confirmed the driver did not have a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
According to Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, the driver was first seen speeding in a white BMW as it crossed the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge around 10:45 p.m. Toms River Township Police officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop but ceased the pursuit for safety reasons.
The same vehicle was later observed traveling at 118 mph in a 35 mph zone along Route 35, with Seaside Heights Police officers reporting the high-speed activity. The vehicle was eventually located again on Route 37, where police officers followed from a safe distance.
Around 10:55 p.m., the BMW collided with a Toyota Camry, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The two victims, Kiley Armstrong and Evan Fiore, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two additional passengers in the Toyota Camry severely injured. The passengers, identified as Krista Armstrong and Ryan Chapman, were transported to nearby hospitals with serious injuries, where they remain in critical condition.
A memorial now stands at the intersection where the crash occurred, with flowers, stuffed animals, and tributes to the victims. The memorial honors Kiley Armstrong, a 21-year-old soon-to-be graduate from Rowan University, and her partner, Evan Fiore, a 23-year-old welder. The couple had been attending a New Jersey Devils game in Newark before the tragic incident.
Kiley’s family described her as a bright and caring person, while Evan’s family recalled him as someone who had a knack for making people laugh and was deeply committed to his passions, including snowboarding, hockey, and welding. The two were described as inseparable, and their families have expressed grief over their loss.
Ryan Chapman and Krista Armstrong, both young adults, survived the crash. Krista is a student at Temple University studying to become an actuary, while Ryan is enrolled in a trade school. The families of the survivors have expressed gratitude for the community support following the incident.
The juvenile driver, who was not injured in the crash, is currently being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities have obtained a warrant for a blood draw, and the results are still pending.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has indicated that additional details will not be released due to the suspect’s age. However, the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
In the wake of the crash, an online fundraiser for Ryan Chapman has raised more than $170,000 to support the families affected by the tragedy. Memorial services for Kiley Armstrong and Evan Fiore are being planned, and the Chapman family is organizing a benefit concert to assist with medical and funeral expenses.
The incident has left the Toms River community in mourning, with many reflecting on the lives lost and the ongoing recovery of those injured. As the investigation continues, the families involved are praying for justice and healing.