Monmouth University student killed in early morning crash

A Monmouth University student was killed in an early Saturday morning crash, authorities say.

Jose R. Rivera, 21, of Lyndhurst was driving a 2006 Audi AA8 on South Lincoln Avenue in Ocean Township when the vehicle left the roadway shortly before 2:40 a.m., according to a Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office news release.

Authorities say the vehicle then struck multiple objects, including a tree, before if came to a rest.

Dane M. Fante, 20, of Moorestown, a passenger, was pronounced dead at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch at 3:24 a.m., according to the news release.

Rivera, also a Monmouth University student, was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune Township, where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries, the release said.

The crash remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), and Ocean Township Police Department.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information to assist the investigative team is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kristian DeVito at 800-533-7443 or Ocean Township Police Sergeant Todd Gregory at 732-531-1800.