Ocean County Men ID'd In Fatal Howell Crash: Police

HOWELL, NJ — Two people killed in a crash that shut down Route 547 and Hurley Pond Road Friday evening have been identified as two men from Ocean County, police said Saturday.

Ronald S. McGhee, 31, of Manchester, and Justin Mercer, 25, of Toms River, were pronounced dead at the scene, Howell Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez said.

Details on the crash, which happened about 5:30 p.m. Friday, remained sketchy.

Antunez said police responded to the crash on Hurley Pond Road and found a gold Honda Accord had left the road and struck several trees. McGhee was the driver, and Mercer was in the front passenger seat, he said.

The crash initially caused police to close Route 547 from Interstate 195 to Farmingdale, but that was later opened. Hurley Pond Road was closed from Route 547 to the Wall Township border for several hours while police investigated at the scene.

The crash is still under investigation, Antunez said, by Howell Township Police Traffic Safety Officer Patrolman. Matthew Cherney.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Howell Police at 732-938-4111.

Additional responding units included the Howell Township Police EMS, Howell First Aid, MONOC Paramedics, Squankum Fire Department and the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team, he said.

Howell Police car via Howell Township Police 911 Communications