TOMS RIVER – A Beachwood man died after a crash involving a motorcycle and a dirt bike on the Garden State Parkway Sunday, state police said.
The crash occurred around 1 p.m. near milepost 81.7 southbound in Toms River.
According to police, 26-year-old Antonio Caprara of Beachwood was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle south on the right shoulder and 49-year-old Lenny Ritorto of Toms River was riding an SSR dirt bike south on the acceleration lane from the Exit 81 entrance ramp when the two collided.
As a result, both riders were thrown from their bikes, state police said. Caprara died at the scene of the crash, and Ritorto sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
Caprara was a former South Toms River Police Officer. He graduated from the Ocean County Police academy in 2022.
A GoFundMe page was created to support Caprara’s loved ones with funeral costs. The fundraiser can be found at gofund.me/e26a1f59
“Antonio was a wonderful person, known for worth ethic, kindness, and selflessness. He treated his friends like gold and strangers alike,” a friend wrote. “Please watch for motorcycles and cars alike and try to remain safe while operating motor vehicles.”