Pedestrian Struck Thursday on Route 37 Dies from Injuries

The man struck by a sedan on Route 37 Thursday evening has died from his injuries, becoming the first fatal accident of 2013 in Toms River, police said Friday.

A 50-year-old man from North Bergen, identified by police Friday as Trent Peluso, was struck west of the Clifton Avenue intersection by a white sedan traveling westbound at about 5:30 p.m., said Chief Michael Mastronardy.

The victim was taken to Community Medical Center where he later was pronounced dead, the chief said.

Peluso was staying at the Holiday Inn after Superstorm Sandy forced him to relocate from Seaside Park, Mastronardy said. 

John Syvarth, 77 of Toms River, was driving the 2007 Hyundai Sonata that struck Peluso. Traffic Safety Officer Brian Doyle is investigating the incident along with the Ocean County Sheriff's Department and Prosecutor's Office, Mastronardy said.