Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Route 33 During Heavy Rain Wednesday Night

The relentless heavy rain New Jersey is experiencing this week is partially to blame in the death of a pedestrian on Route 33 Wednesday night in Manalapan, police say.

Richard L. Cashwell Jr., a 67-year-old black male from Manalapan, has been identified as the person struck and killed while walking near the intersection of Woodward Road on State Highway 33, according to Manalapan Police Lieutenant Thomas Barstow.

According to Barstow, a police investigation that at approximately 7:38 p.m. on October 22, Cashwell was walking northbound on the grassy center median, an area that is not designated for pedestrians and has no streetlights. At the same time, a 2013 Toyota Tacoma, driven by Jeremy R. Colby, a 37-year-old Point Pleasant Borough resident, was driving eastbound in the left lane of Route 33 in heavy rain conditions. Cashwell, who was wearing all dark clothing, was struck by the Tacoma while attempting to cross the highway, Barstow said.

Cashwell sustained significant injuries and was transported to Centra State Medical Center in Freehold Township, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Any witnesses who can provide additional information are asked to contact the Manalapan Township Police Department at 732-446-4300.

Manalapan Township Fire Company No. 1, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation Incident Management Response Team, all assisted at the scene. Traffic Safety Officers Detective Dominick Donatelli Jr. and Patrolman Dennis O’Brien of the Manalapan Township Police Department conducted the investigation.