Motorcyclist Killed In Parkway Crash In Toms River Was Selfless, Friends Say

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Beachwood man and killed in a motorcycle crash on the Garden State Parkway Sunday is being remembered and selfless and having a heart of gold by friends.

Antonio Caprara, 26, was killed Sunday when his Kawasaki collided with an SSR dirt bike ridden by Lenny Ritorto, 49, of Toms River, while Ritorto was in the acceleration lane from the Exit 81 entrance ramp southbound, New Jersey State Police said.

He was a former police officer in South Toms River, officials confirmed. He was sworn in in 2022 and became full-time in 2023, according to the South Toms River Police Department's Facebook page. Chief Michael Schneidt said he had not been employed by the department since May. He did not elaborate.

Caprara and Ritorto both were thrown from their bikes, state police said. Ritorto suffered serious injuries and is hospitalized, police said.

"Antonio was a wonderful person, known for worth ethic, kindness, and selflessness," his friend, Nikki Rue, wrote on a GoFundMe campaign she created to help his family with funeral costs.

"He treated his friends like gold and strangers alike," she wrote. "We ask for any help in aiding with funeral costs for the family to ease their suffering from this tragic loss."

Those wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign can do so here.