TOMS RIVER – The names have those involved in yesterday’s fatal Toms River car crash have been released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office this morning.
Doris Turlish, 85, of New Gretna, was driving her 2010 Mercury Milan at noon yesterday and attempted to exit Community Medical Center using the easternmost exit. She accelerated at a high rate of speed and struck the curb divider between the entrance and exit lane, Prosecutor’s Office spokesman Al Della Fave said. Her car was struck by a Ford F250, driven by William Minter, 42, of Lanoka Harbor.
The Milan sustained heavy front-end damage and was pinned to the center Jersey barrier. The Ford also sustained heavy front-end damage and was overturned in the left lane.
Doris Turlish was pronounced dead at the scene. Minter, who was able to climb out of his vehicle, was treated at Community for minor injuries.
There were three passengers with Turlish: Marjorie Santamaria, 86, of Toms River, was taken to Community Medical Center and pronounced dead at 1:16 p.m. Maryann Turlish, 87, of New Gretna, and Maria Santamaria, 52, of Toms River, were both transported to the hospital and listed in critical condition.
The crash happened shortly after 12 noon on Route 37 East at Hospital Drive on Monday, July 2. Pictures from Ocean County Scanner News show a vehicle on its side.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department issued a Nixle alert at around 12:31 p.m. to avoid the area.
The roadway has since reopened.
Several units responded to the scene.
