BRICK — A wrong-way crash on Route 88 in Brick Township late last month left one man dead and another driver injured, authorities said.
Police said the collision occurred at about 4:56 p.m. December 29, 2025, near the entrance to Ocean Medical Center. Investigators determined that a 2021 Kia Sportage exited the hospital complex and turned left onto Route 88, traveling eastbound in lanes designated for westbound traffic.
The Kia continued the wrong way past Edge Street before striking a westbound 2005 Toyota Corolla head-on. The violent impact caused both vehicles to spin, with the Kia coming to rest near the eastbound curb and the Toyota stopping on the westbound shoulder, police said.
The Kia was driven by Cathe J. Schaefer, 67, of Brick. The Toyota was operated by Joao R. Luiz, 51, of Newark.
Firefighters from the Laurelton Fire Department extricated one of the occupants from a vehicle at the scene. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Hatzolah EMS also assisted, along with Brick EMS/Rescue.
Both drivers were taken to Ocean Medical Center for treatment. Luiz later died from his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital, authorities said.
The crash remains under investigation by the Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information is asked to contact Officer Daniel Fogarty at 732-262-1141.
