Driver's Speeding Killed His Passenger In Camden Co. Crash: Prosecutor

PENNSAUKEN, NJ — A man was charged in his passenger's death after investigators found he sped into the back of a tractor-trailer in broad daylight, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO).

The fatal crash occurred at about 3:20 p.m. April 16 on the 9000 block of Crescent Boulevard southbound in Pennsauken, authorities said. Investigators have determined that Gage Patton was responsible for the death of his passenger — Sean Hill, 20, of Pennsauken — according to the CCPO.

Patton, 20, of Pennsauken, was arrested Tuesday. He was charged with second-degree death by auto and issued multiple motor-vehicle summonses.

Patton was driving "at a high rate of speed" when his Chrysler hit the rear of a tractor-trailer, the CCPO said. Hill became entrapped and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, Patton was brought to Cooper University Hospital in stable condition. The tractor-trailer driver wasn't injured.

Hill graduated from Pennsauken High School in 2021. In his senior year, he joined the Unified Track Team and helped the program win a state championship with his first-place shot put.

In the years following graduation, Hill worked on the grounds crew for the Pennsauken Public Schools Facilities Department, according to District Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi.

"Sean was known by most district employees at any school he worked at because he always greeted everyone with a 'hello' and a smile," Tarchichi said after Hill's death. "I saw Sean often in the morning and he always waved and greeted me. He was respectful, kind, and was one of the great products of Pennsauken Public Schools."

At a young age, Hill developed passions for cars and fireworks. He loved car shows, monster truck events and saving his paychecks for firework displays, according to his obituary. As he matured, he became a food enthusiast, exploring recipes on social media with his cousin and treasuring family gatherings centered around meals.

He was also active in his church community.

"Always ready to lend a hand or share a hug and a smile, he found joy in helping others," his obituary says, "whether assisting them up the stairs to the sanctuary or their cars in the parking lot."