Rookie, newlywed NJ state trooper dies in line-of-duty car crash

New Jersey State Trooper Eli McCarson died on duty Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a domestic violence incident in Quinton Township.

According to an announcement by New Jersey State Police, McCarson’s vehicle went off the right side of Quinton-Alloway Road and into an electric utility pole at around 10:45 a.m.

The 30-year-old trooper was entrapped for a short time while rescuers had to open the jammed doors, police said. He was then transported to Salem hospital where he was pronounced shortly after noon, police said.

State Police said the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, and the crash is still under investigation.

The announcement from police didn't specify whether it's known why McCarson lost control of the car. But a quote provided from Col. Rick Fuentes seemed to reference Thursday's heavy rains, which made driving conditions hazardous in much of the state.

“Whether it’s facing an armed assailant, or responding to a critical call on a rainy day, troopers and other law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect every member of the public," Fuentes said. "This is a tragic loss for us, made even worse during this holiday season, but I know our troopers will not flinch. They will continue their duties and answer every call with others in mind, just as Trooper Eli McCarson was doing when he gave his life in the line of duty."

McCarson of Gloucester County was a member of the 155th State Police Class, which graduated Feb. 20 of this year. He was working out of Woodstown Station, State Police said.

According to a wedding registry on TheKnot.com, he was married in September of this year.