91-Year-Old Army Vet Identified In Fatal Tesla Crash On Route 22 In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A 91-year-old Bridgewater army veteran was identified as the man killed in a crash after a Tesla came to a "complete stop" in the middle of Route 22 on May 31, according to police.

Hugh Johnson Jr., 91, of Bridgewater, was identified as the driver of the 2002 Buick LeSabre in the May 31 crash, said Bridgewater Police Lt. Stephen Zeichner.

Johnson Jr. served in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. Afterward, he worked as a welder before landing his lifelong career with American Airlines, according to his obituary.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 65 years, Irene Johnson, his five children, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

"Hugh will be greatly missed for his warmth, humor, wisdom and his unwavering devotion to his family," according to the obituary.

The crash happened on May 31 at around 4:06 p.m. on Route 22 East near Grove Street. Read More: 91-Year-Old Man Killed, Woman Hospitalized In Route 22 Crash In Bridgewater

A preliminary investigation found that a white Tesla was driving on Route 22 East near Grove Street when it suddenly came to a complete stop in the center lane, said Bridgewater Police Sgt. Kevin Florczak.

A 2018 Subaru Outback, which was driving behind the Tesla, was reportedly forced to stop.

A 2002 Buick LeSabre, driving behind the Subaru, was unable to stop in time and hit the back of the Subaru, according to Florczak.

The Subaru then spun out and came to rest in the left lane.

A 33-year-old man from Brooklyn, NY, and two passengers were inside the Subaru. None were injured, said Florczak.

The Buick lost control, drove into the right lane, crossed the highway, left the highway, and went into the center median, where it hit a tree before stopping, according to Florczak.

Officers found the Buick about one-quarter mile east of the crash.

The driver, Johnson Jr., was found unresponsive inside the Buick.

Officers immediately began CPR and continued lifesaving efforts until Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital paramedics arrived.

Johnson Jr. was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he was later pronounced dead.

A 93-year-old female passenger in the Buick sustained minor
injuries and was also taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment.

Police said an investigation continues to be underway. No summonses or charges have been filed as of Thursday.

"No further details will be released until the investigation is complete, which can take several more weeks," said Zeichner to Patch.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer R. Veneman of the Bridgewater Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit at 908-722-4111,
extension 4083, or the Bridgewater TIPS line at 877-660-INFO (4636).

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