Prominent NJ Lawyer Hit, Killed By Car In Nashville

NASHVILLE, NJ — A 58-year-old Belmar man was hit by a pick-up truck and killed Friday night in Nashville, according to Nashville Police.

The man has been identified as Michael O’Connell, 58, of Belmar.

Police say he was struck by a 2009 Dodge pick-up truck at 1 a.m. Saturday while walking in the crosswalk at 12th Avenue at Broadway in downtown Nashville.

The driver of the pick-up, Joey Nixon, 36, of Waverly, Tennessee, was attempting to turn left onto Broadway when he struck O’Connell, "who was crossing Broadway with the walk light," said Nashville Police in this press release announcing the death. "Nixon had a green light, but failed to yield to the pedestrian."

Witnesses say Nixon was spinning the pickup’s tires and speeding prior to the collision.

Nixon initially left the scene, but returned a short time later, said Nashville Police. He did not show any indicators of impairment. Nixon was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way, and the case is currently being reviewed by the local district attorney.

O’Connell died at the scene.

New Jersey Globe reports O'Connell is a highly respected attorney and lobbyist. At the time of his death, he was a partner at Pringle Quinn Anzano law firm. According to his profile with the law firm, he was part of their government and regulatory affairs practice. He lobbied at the state and federal level on behalf of banks, alcohol beverage companies, numerous health and property casualty insurance companies, trade associations, municipalities and more.

O'Connell was counsel to the Garden State Municipal Joint Insurance Fund, which consists of nineteen member municipalities. He was previously assistant borough attorney in Bradley Beach, and has worked in the law departments for the towns of Edison, Rahway and Franklin. He was also named special litigation counsel to the borough of Sayreville in 1998 and served as trial counsel for New Jersey Steel Corporation.

O’Connell was also trial counsel for the Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund and the Monmouth County Joint Insurance Fund. He worked on two successful gubernatorial races and numerous other political campaigns in New Jersey (the candidates were not named by his law firm).

Meemom's of Wall Township said O'Connell was"one of our most beloved regulars," known to everyone as "Lawyer Mike."

"Everyone loved chatting with Mike at the bar," Meemom's wrote. "Hearing his stories, getting his life advice, or simply sharing a laugh. Mike, we will all miss you so much. Keep the party going in heaven. We will keep the hearty hangover bowls going for you."