STAFFORD – The entire community is in mourning after a devastating accident on Route 72 in Manahawkin claims the life of a popular restaurant owner.
36-year-old Timothy Kohlheim of Manahawkin owned the Shore Fire Grille in Manahawkin and Surf City. Police said he was driving his 2015 Ford van westbound in the left lane on 72 near Marsha Drive Thursday night when he collided into the rear of a crash attenuator vehicle that was going to be used to close the lane for nighttime construction.
Authorities say Kohlheim sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.
The crash attenuator vehicle was driven by 25-year-old Nicholas Manzoni of Little Egg Harbor. Manzoni, and a passenger, 24-year-old Ric Peters of Little Egg Harbor sustained minor injuries and were taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center for treatment.
Route 72 in the area of the crash was shut for three hours during the probe.
Stafford Township Fire Company, EMS and MONOC paramedics assisted at the scene.
The collision is currently under investigation by Traffic Safety Officer Justin Pascale.
Kohlheim leaves behind a wife and two young children. Hundreds of social media posts have poured in leaving condolences.
A GoFundMe page has been set up.
