Authorities still seeking driver in fatal South Toms River hit-and-run

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the Dec. 16 hit-and-run collision in South Toms River that killed an elderly borough resident.

William Gaughan, 84, of South Toms River, was struck while walking in the eastbound lane of Dover Road at the intersection with Chamberlain Street near the 7-11 convenience store at 5:54 p.m., authorities said in a release.

The driver, whose vehicle is described by a witness as small and black or dark colored with possible damage to its front passenger side and windshield, continued east on Dover Road, possibly entering the Garden State Parkway northbound, authorities said.

Authorities now believe that the vehicle may have been near Dover Plaza in the borough prior to the fatal collision and want to speak with anyone who may be aware of others who were in the area at the time of the incident. 

Gaughan was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he succumbed to severe head and body trauma, authorities said.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or has information regarding the vehicle and driver that fled the scene, is asked to contact South Toms River Police Department Det. William Kosh at (732) 349-0313 or Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Det. Craig Ally at (732) 814-4821.