N.J. State Trooper Dies In Car Crash

A N.J. state trooper died in a single vehicle traffic accident Thursday while responding to a domestic dispute, police said.

Trooper Eli McCarson’s vehicle went off the right side of the road and into an electric utility pole. He was entrapped for a short time while rescuers had to open the jammed doors, police said.

He was then transported to Salem hospital where he was pronounced shortly after noon. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined, and the crash is still under investigation, police said.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Quinton-Alloway Road in Quinton Township, near the intersection of Route 49, as McCarson was responding to a report of a domestic dispute in the same town, police said.

“Whether it’s facing an armed assailant, or responding to a critical call on a rainy day, troopers and other law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect every member of the public. This is a tragic loss for us, made even worse during this holiday season, but I know our troopers will not flinch. They will continue their duties and answer every call with others in mind, just as Trooper Eli McCarson was doing when he gave his life in the line of duty,” said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

McCarson, 30 , of Gloucester County, was a member of the 155th State Police Class, which graduated on Feb. 20. He was working out of Woodstown Station. He was married.