06/01/2026
Press Release: Fatal Crash Investigation -BRIDGEWATER, NJ - On Sunday, May 31, 2026, at approximately 4:06 p.m., officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on Route 22 East near Grove Street.
Upon arrival, officers located a disabled 2018 Subaru Outback on the left shoulder of Route 22 East near Grove Street. The vehicle was occupied by the driver, a 33 year old man from Brooklyn, NY, and two passengers, none of whom sustained injuries.
Officers also located a 2002 Buick LeSabre approximately one-quarter mile east of the initial crash scene. The vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in the center median. The driver, a 91-year-old Bridgewater man, was found unresponsive inside the vehicle. Officers immediately began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics arrived on scene. The driver was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was later pronounced deceased. A 93-year-old female passenger in the Buick sustained minor injuries and was also transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment.
A preliminary investigation indicates that a white Tesla was traveling eastbound on Route 22 near Grove Street when it suddenly came to a complete stop in the center lane. The Subaru, which was traveling behind the Tesla, was forced to stop. The Buick, traveling behind the Subaru, was unable to stop in time and struck the rear of the Subaru. As a result of the impact, the Subaru spun out and came to rest in the left lane. The Buick then lost control, traveled into the right lane, crossed the highway, left the roadway, and entered the center median, where it struck a tree before coming to rest.
Route 22 East was closed for several hours while officers conducted the crash investigation.
The crash remains under investigation by the Bridgewater Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer R. Veneman of the Bridgewater Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at (908) 722-4111, extension 4083, or the Bridgewater TIPS line at 877-660-INFO (4636).
BRIDGEWATER, NJ - On Sunday, May 31, 2026, at approximately 4:06 p.m., officers from the Bridgewater Township Police Department were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on Route 22 East near Grove Street.
