2 critically injured in hit-and-run boat crash, operator sought

WEST MILFORD TOWNSHIP — Police are continuing the search for the operator of a boat involved in a hit-and-run boating accident that injured four people - two seriously - on Greenwood Lake in Passaic County Monday.

The owner and operator of the boat that was struck, Edwin Lane, 72, of West Milford and his passenger, Robert Roon, 76, of Newfoundland were airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson and remain in critical condition. Police say two others, Mary Lane, 74, and Eileen Roon, 70, were taken to the same medical facility by ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries. Police say despite their injuries, the two women were able to provide immediate first aid to their husbands and navigate the boat back to shore.

According to the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, the crash took place at approximately 8:36 p.m. Police say an 18-foot Bayliner boat was struck at the rear by an unidentified vessel, that police say could possibly be a ski boat. The crash happened just north of Sportsmans Marina.

"Based on the preliminary investigation, after striking the stern, the suspect vessel became airborne, traveling over the Bayliner. At this time, investigators do not believe the suspect boat had an outboard motor," State Police said in a statement.

Police are asking any members of the public with information about the crash or the person who struck the boat to contact Trooper I Shane Diehl of Carteret Station at 732-541-0491. Anonymous tips are also welcome, police said.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.

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