BRICK — A Brick Memorial High School student was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a vehicle near the school in what authorities described as a hit-and-run crash.
The crash happened around 6:50 a.m. at the intersection of Lanes Mill Road and Rhode Island Avenue, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police responding to the scene found a juvenile bicyclist who had been hit by a vehicle that fled the area. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement first reported by Brick Patch, the Brick Township School District confirmed the student’s death and expressed condolences to the family.
“This morning there was an accident that resulted in a tragedy for Brick Schools. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the student,” the district said.
“This is an incredibly sad and tragic event for our community and we need to support one another during this difficult time.”
District officials said grief counseling and support services are being made available for students and staff.
Brick Township police issued traffic alerts Tuesday morning advising that Lanes Mill Road near the high school was closed for several hours during the investigation.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said investigators later determined that a 2021 BMW traveling northbound on Lanes Mill Road at a high rate of speed struck the bicyclist, who was riding westbound on Rhode Island Avenue through a marked crosswalk.
Authorities said the driver left the scene without stopping to render aid or contact police.
Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Brick Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit identified the driver as a juvenile.
The juvenile was taken into custody and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death. Authorities said the suspect is being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.
Under New Jersey law, additional information about juveniles charged with delinquent acts cannot be released.
Billhimer credited the prosecutor’s office, Brick police and the sheriff’s office for their work during the investigation.
The charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
