Details Released On 'Just-Married' State Trooper, 1 Other Killed On Deadly N.J. Highway

Updated. Details were released on a fatal accident on a notoriously deadly highway, which killed two - including a state trooper who just married - in a head-on crash on Monday night.

Lloyd Rudley, 61, of Elmer, New Jersey, has been identified as the driver of the Toyota Corolla that crossed the grass median and struck Trooper Frankie Williams head-on, killing himself and the trooper.

Rudley's car matched witness descriptions of a vehicle that was driving erratically in the area. Williams was responding to the erratic driver complaint at the time of the crash, police said.

Many, including the governor, paid tribute to Williams on social media. Some noted that Williams was an only child and was just married:

The state police's top officials also paid tribute to Williams, and others noted he drew headlines earlier this year when he smashed a car window to save a poodle left inside a vehicle in sweltering conditions:

Williams, 31, was traveling south on Route 55 in Millville while on service call at 6:59 p.m. when the driver of a Toyota Corolla crossed the center median near milepost 22.2 and struck the trooper's car, police said.

Williams was flown to Cooper University in Camden, where he was pronounced dead.

"It is with great sadness today that Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police announces the tragic loss of Trooper Frankie Williams #7953, who was killed yesterday in an on-duty crash on State Highway 55 in Millville City," the state police said in a statement.

The exact cause of death for both victims has yet to be determined, and the crash is still under investigation.

Williams was a member of the 156th State Police Class, which graduated Jan. 29. He was assigned to Port Norris Station.

"We ask that the media give privacy and respect to the Williams’ family and members of his station during this difficult time," the State Police said in a statement.

His LinkedIn page says he graduated from Rutgers-Camden and was interested in raising the public's awareness of cyber-crime and cyber-security. He also worked at Lowe's Home Improvement stores as a customer service associate.

At least six people - including a former Miss New Jersey - were killed in 2016 on Route 55. These were the first four fatal accidents that have happened this year:

• Cara McCollum, a 24-year-old news anchor for SNJ Today and a former Miss N.J., died earlier this year after her car ran off northbound Route 55 and hit several trees in Pittsgrove, said New Jersey State Police.
• A woman died in January in Gloucester County in a crash on Route 55 northbound at mile marker 47, police said.
• A prisoner transport van crashed into a truck on Route 55 in January, killing one inmate and injuring three other people, New Jersey State Police said.
• A 31-year-old man was killed in April when his pickup truck flipped on Route 55, police said.

On Thanksgiving weekend, four people were seriously hurt on Route 55 southbound in a motor vehicle crash. Three of the victims were were airlifted to local hospitals after the crash near mile marker 39.4, police said.

Gov. Chris Christie and the state's top police union, meanwhile, paid tribute to Williams:

Senate President Steve Sweeney issued a statement on Williams' death:

"The tragic death of Trooper Williams is a terrible reminder that State Troopers and law enforcement officers who serve to protect us put their lives on the line every day. Trooper Williams gave his life in the line of duty and in service to others. I extend my sincere condolences to Trooper Williams’ family, to his friends and loved ones, to every member of the New Jersey State Police and to the law enforcement community in mourning his passing.”

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto also released the following statement on Tuesday:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Trooper Frankie Williams. Trooper Williams was an example of the best New Jersey and the State Police have to offer – an upstanding young man who worked tirelessly to achieve his goal of serving the public.

“His tragic death is a reminder of the varied dangers faced daily by those who devote their lives to protecting the rest of us. We must always remember their service. We cannot forget their courage.

“On behalf of the New Jersey General Assembly, I send my prayers, thoughts and condolences to Trooper Williams’ family at this difficult time. His loss will be mourned."

Photo: NJSP

Photo courtesy of 6abc