Texas Man With Dementia Killed In Turnpike Hit-and-Run: Police

The body of a deceased male that was found off the New Jersey Turnpike near mile marker 34.2 in Mount Laurel on Tuesday has been identified, and state police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the driver in the hit-and-run accident.

The body of 68-year-old Michael Shimanek, of Granbury, Texas, was discovered down an embankment off of the right side of the roadway of the northbound lanes of the Turnpike around 2:35 p.m. on Tuesday.

Detectives say Shimanek, who suffered from dementia, had wandered away from a nearby hotel in which he was staying after it was evacuated due to a triggered fire alarm.

Police believe he was walking on the road when he was hit by a car at mile marker 34.3 sometime between 3 a.m. and dawn.

The driver failed to stop and is being sought for questioning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Moorestown Station at 856-273-3228. Anonymous tips are welcome.