LAKEWOOD – Authorities have released the identities of the victims who perished in a crash that occurred over the weekend in Lakewood Township.
Jayla Ortiz, 23, of Lakewood, Ceasia Jefferson, 24, of Neptune Township, and a 17-year-old boy from Lanoka Harbor, died in a crash on October 7.
Around 2:20 a.m., Ortiz was driving a 2009 Honda Accord eastbound on Cedar Bridge Avenue with Mylani Theibault, 18, of Lakewood, in the front passenger seat. Alexis Holloway, 23, of Berkeley; Jefferson; and the 17-year-old were all seated in the rear passenger seat.
According to police, Ortiz failed to stop at a red traffic signal and entered the intersection, hitting a 2008 Dodge truck. As a result, the Dodge rolled over and split in two.
The Honda Accord continued off the roadway and struck a metal traffic signal pole. After hitting the pole, the Accord broke into two parts.
The driver of the Dodge, Mathew Draheim, 56, of Lakewood, was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) in Neptune to be treated for minor injuries.
Ortiz and Ceasia Jefferson were pronounced deceased at the scene, police said. Theibault, Holloway, and the 17-year-old were transported to JSUMC for treatment. At the hospital, the 17-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries.
Police stated that Theibault and Holloway remain hospitalized, with Theibault currently listed in stable condition and Holloway is currently listed in critical condition.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our thoughts and prayers are with these young men and women, their families and their friends,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
At this time, the crash remains under investigation.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit – Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.
