Motorcyclist Killed In Route 37 Crash In Ocean County, Police Say

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Brick Township man was killed Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle and a car crashed at the intersection of Route 37 and Colonial Drive, Manchester police said.

William C. Swiderski, 24, was thrown more than 140 feet as a result of the impact to the eastbound shoulder of Route 37, Manchester Capt. Albert Vega said. He was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he succumbed to his injuries, Vega said.

The crash was reported at 3:22 p.m., he said.

Swiderski was riding a red 2007 Honda CBR motorcycle west on Route 37 and as it entered the intersection at Colonial Drive, collided with a white 2020 Honda Accord that was being driven south on Colonial Drive, he said. The impact sent the Accord off the road and caused the motorcycle to burst into flames, Vega said.

Swiderski was a 2019 graduate of Brick Township High School, where he played lacrosse, according to his social media postings.

The Brick Township High School Hockey Facebook group posted a tribute to him, saying, "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of our former players, Will Swiderski. Will, class of 2019, tragically lost his life yesterday. Will was a multi-sport athlete at Brick Township, although he only played hockey for a short time, his smile and outgoing personality will always be remembered. Will also served in the United States Marine Corps after graduation. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends."

Swiderski also was an avid motorcyclist, active in Facebook groups for fans of sport bikes and similar sports, according to his social media.

Job Martinez del Villar, 20, of Manchester, who was driving the Accord, was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening , Vega said.

Vega said the preliminary investigation indicates failure to obey a traffic signal and speed appear to be contributing factors.

The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Jesse Hoydis of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

Assisting at the scene were members of the Manchester Emergency Medical Services, Robert Wood Johnson paramedics, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, Lakehurst Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, New Jersey State Police, and the state Department of Transportation. The road was closed for several hours during the investigation and cleanup.

Patrolman Jesse Hoydis of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating.