Teen tragically killed by ‘catastrophic’ head-on crash in Jackson

🚨A 16-year-old Jackson teen was killed in a fiery head-on crash on Veterans Highway

🚨Good Samaritans pulled him from the burning car before first responders arrived

🚨A GoFundMe has already raised more than $9,000 in his memory

JACKSON — A 16-year-old Jackson teen was killed when a pickup truck and a car collided head-on Wednesday evening.

Police Chief Matthew Kunz said a Ford F-150 pickup truck heading east on Veterans Highway drifted into the westbound lanes and into the path of a Nissan Altima at 6 p.m. The Altima caught fire, causing "catastrophic injuries" to the 16-year-old driver, who was removed by passersby before first responders arrived.

The teen was taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, and pronounced dead there.  The victim was the only person in the car.

A 16-year-old in New Jersey can only be issued a learner's permit and must be accompanied by an adult.

The 18-year-old woman driving the pickup and a passenger were taken to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood for treatment of minor injuries, according to Ocean County Proseutor Bradley Billhimer.  He did not disclose whether the pickup driver will be charged with any offenses.

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Jackson school superintendent Nicole Pormilli said the district activated its crisis team on Wednesday night and held an emergency meeting with staff first thing Thursday morning to ensure a coordinated response.

“This is a terrible loss for our school community and our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, and our staff as we navigate this together,” said Pormilli. “The sudden loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and difficult to process, especially for students. We encourage anyone who needs support to please reach out. We have a team of caring and well-trained counselors to assist and to guide families in supporting their children through this.”

Victim identified through GoFundMe

A GoFundMe campaign created by a friend hours after the crash raised over $7,000 as of 9 a.m. Thursday morning identifies the victim.

"Saturday night we were hanging out with Mikey and a few of his friends, not even a week later he has unfortunately passed away," campaign organizer Mike Kisseberth wrote.

It was the 40th fatal crash in Ocean County and the fourth in Jackson in 2025, according to State police records.

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