3rd Teen Dies After Crash In South Jersey: Police

ELK TOWNSHIP, NJ — A third teen has died following a chain-reaction crash last weekend on Route 55 in Gloucester County, officials told Patch.

Two people in the same car were pronounced dead after Sunday's three-vehicle crash, which also injured a mother and her child, officials said.

Since then, a 17-year-old boy has succumbed to his injuries, State Police told Patch on Tuesday morning.

• Read more: High Schooler, Recent Grad Both Killed In South Jersey Crash: Officials

State Police did not reveal his name or when he died.

Police identified the first two deceased victims as Brendan Cary and Dominic Reyes — both 19-year-old Franklinville residents. The 17-year-old was riding in Cary's vehicle during the crash.

Cary was a student at Franklinville's Delsea Regional High School, and Reyes was a recent graduate, according to the Delsea Regional School District's superintendent.

Reyes and Cary were friends with the 17-year-old who died, said Superintendent Fran Ciociola.

"Our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of Brenden Cary, Dominic Reyes, and their friend as well as the injuries suffered by a mother and her children who were struck on the side of the road," Ciociola wrote to the district community. "The pain and sorrow felt by their families, friends, and our entire community are immeasurable, and we extend our deepest sympathy to all who are affected."

The crash happened at 4:17 p.m. on Route 55 North in Elk Township, said Sgt. Charles Marchan, a State Police spokesperson.

The right-front corner of Cary's vehicle hit the left-back corner of a Honda CRV, which was in the right lane, Marchan said.

As a result, Cary lost directional control and crossed into the shoulder, where he hit a disabled Dodge minivan that then overturned, Marchan said.

The woman driving the minivan was seriously injured, while three kids in her vehicle sustained minor injuries, Marchan said.