EAGLESWOOD TOWNSHIP — Freeholder John “Jack” Kelly was involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident with a motorcyclist Friday evening on Route 9 in the West Creek section of the township, police said.
William D. Kolb, 24, of Barnegat Township, was traveling south on Route 9 at about 6:30 p.m., according to the police report. Kolb passed a vehicle and returned to his lane when Kelly, 61, of West Creek — who was traveling north on Route 9 — made a left turn into West Creek Deli.
Kolb’s Harley Davidson motorcycle then struck the right fender of Kelly’s Chrysler sport utility vehicle, and Kolb was thrown from the motorcycle, a police report stated.
Kolb was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
An early investigation revealed no signs of suspicious activity, police said, but State Police at the Tuckerton Barracks continue to investigate.
Kelly spoke softly and briefly about the accident when reached at his home late Friday night.
“I’m very sorry that a young man lost his life in the accident tonight,” Kelly said.
Kelly, a father of five, has been a member of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders since 1993.
He currently serves as the county’s director of Law and Public Safety. In that role, he oversaw the expansion of the Ocean County Police Academy, according to the freeholders’ website.
He has also served as either director or deputy director for six out of his 19 years on the board.
His current term is set to expire next year, according to the website.
Staff Writer Caitlin Dineen contributed to this report.
Contact Donna Weaver:
609-226-9198
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