Motorcyclist Dies In 3-Vehicle Crash In South Toms River

SOUTH TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Tom River man died Monday after his motorcycle collided with two other vehicles in South Toms River, police said Tuesday.

Kenneth Gerisch, 25, was found unconscious at the scene of the crash near Mathis Plaza, Chief Michael C. Schneidt said. The South Toms River First Aid Squad and Robert Wood Johnson paramedics were administering emergency lifesaving measures when police arrived, he said.

Gerisch was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he succumbed to his injuries, Schneidt said.

The crash happened about 5:40 p.m., Schneidt said. The preliminary investigation determined Gerish was riding south on Herflicker Boulevard and as he approached the merger with the southbound lane of Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 166), "presumably lost control of the motorcycle," he said.

The motorcycle went onto its side and its forward momentum carried it into the northbound lane of Route 166, where it collided with one vehicle, kept going and hit a second vehicle that was traveling behind the first, Schneidt said.

Gerisch was found on the shoulder of Route 166, he said.

Patrolman Dominick Palino is investigating the crash. Anyone who witnessed it is urged to call the South Toms River Police Department at 732-349-0313, x126, or send an email to Palino at dpalino@strpd.us.

"The South Toms River Police Department extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," Schneidt said.

South Toms River police were assisted by the Toms River Fire Department, South Toms River First Aid Squad, Robert Wood Johnson paramedics, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit.