Driver was high when he caused deadly head-on crash, cops say

TOMS RIVER — Authorities say a man was under the influence of drugs when he caused a three-car crash that killed a 60-year-old Lanoka Harbor man.

Jack Kennedy Jr., 34, of Jackson was arrested Friday at his home on a charge of aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little said in a joint announcement.

The charges stem from a crash on July 14, on Whitesville Road.

Authorities say Michael Gormley, 60, of Lanoka Harbor had been traveling north on Whitesville Road in his 2010 Chevy Malibu on July 14. Kennedy was operating a 2000 Nissan XTR traveling south in the opposite direction, police say.

Kennedy crossed over the center yellow line and struck Gormley’s vehicle head-on, police say. A third vehicle that was traveling north behind Gormley’s tried to avoid the crash, but was unable to do so, police said.

The driver of that third vehicle, a 2015 Kia, was taken to Community medical center for treatment of minor injuries, police said. But Gormley died as a result of his injuries.

Kennedy was treated for his injuries at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune Township, police said.

Pleasant Plains and Silverton Fire Companies responded in order to extricate the drivers from their vehicles, police said.

Authorities didn't say in an announcement of the charges what controlled dangerous substance Kennedy was allegedly using.

The aggravated manslaughter charge, has a bail amount of $200,000, full cash. Additionally, Toms River Officer Terry Warren charged Kennedy with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain a marked lane, and failing to have his vehicle properly inspected.

Kennedy is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail, authorities said.