Toms River, NJ — March 9, 2025, John Deluca was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 11:34 A.M. on Garden State Parkway.

An investigation is underway into a car accident that left one person dead during the late-morning hours of March 9th. According to official reports, a Buick operated by John Deluca was travelling on the Garden State Parkway in the southbound lanes when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway and struck multiple trees.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that DeLuca had sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased. At this time there has been no further information released about the accident, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators are doing everything they can to provide the victim’s loved ones with answers. A vehicle leaving the roadway and striking multiple trees isn’t something that just happens without cause. While authorities are still investigating, there are three key questions that must be asked to ensure that all possible factors are considered.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will certainly document the scene, but the depth of their investigation can vary depending on available resources and training. It’s important that accident reconstruction experts analyze factors such as skid marks, roadway conditions, and possible contributing elements like debris or obstructions. Without a full reconstruction, it’s easy for crucial details to be overlooked, leaving gaps in understanding what really happened.

Another question that often goes unasked is whether a vehicle defect could have contributed to the crash. People often assume that when a car leaves the roadway, it must be due to driver error, but mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or even an undetected recall—can also cause loss of control. Determining whether a defect played a role requires a forensic examination of the vehicle. However, if the vehicle is disposed of too quickly, critical evidence may be lost before anyone has the chance to inspect it.

Lastly, it’s essential to ask whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles store valuable information in their electronic control modules (ECM), which can reveal speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before impact. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, as well as the driver’s cell phone records, could provide key insights. If investigators don’t secure this data promptly, it may be lost, making it much harder to determine what truly happened.

At the end of the day, a crash like this demands a full and careful investigation. The victim’s loved ones deserve clear answers about what caused this loss, and ensuring that all possible explanations—including vehicle defects, road conditions, and environmental factors—are explored isn’t just about understanding this specific crash; it’s about learning from it and preventing future tragedies.