Girls were returning to Bridgeton when fatal post-prom crash occurred

MAURICE RIVER TOWNSHIP — A car carrying four teenage girls was returning to Bridgeton from Ocean City in the hours after Bridgeton High School's prom early Saturday when it crashed, killing two of the students and injuring two others, the Press of Atlantic City reported.

Residents Eric and Catherine Osborn, who live near the accident scene at Route 49 and Port Elizabeth-Cumberland Road, told the newspaper that a car carrying three boys turned around and returned to the site following the crash. The boys told State Police, which monitors Maurice River in lieu of a township police force, that the girls had been following their car, Catherine Osborn said in the report.

Friends and family posted on social media that at least three of the girls attended Bridgeton High School's prom at Centerton Country Club in Pittsgrove Friday night, and Bridgeton Superintendent of Schools Thomasina Jones identified them as 10th- and 11th-graders. The driver, 17-year-old Daisia Sulton, and 15-year-old passenger Mikayla Mosley died. Two other passengers were hospitalized, the Press of Atlantic City said: 16-year-old Zyiah Stocks, who was listed in critical condition, and 17-year-old Jada Barriento, listed as stable.

State Police are investigating why Sulton's Chrysler PT Cruiser crossed from the westbound into the eastbound lane of Route 49, then veered onto the shoulder and hit a tree, according to the report.

A GoFundMe page has been launched by Sulton's family members, to help cover her funeral expenses. The school district is also collecting money.

The Press of Atlantic City report said another student killed in a recent car crash was laid to rest Saturday, just as word of this crash was spreading through the community. Chaplains and grief counselors are at the school Monday, the report said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Patrick Lavery produces "New Jersey's First News" and is New Jersey 101.5's morning drive breaking news reporter. Follow him on Twitter @plavery1015 or email patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com.