More Details, 911 Calls Released On 'Erratic' Driver Whose Car Killed Cop, Himself On Deadly N.J. Highway

Details were released - including 911 calls - that could explain why an "erratic" driver, a psychiatrist, drove his vehicle head-on into a State Police car, killing both on a notoriously dangerous N.J. highway on Monday.

Lloyd Rudley, 61, of Elmer 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.

A lifelong friend of Rudley says he suffered severe diabetes, according to CBS3. “He was in the hospital for a while until they got the diabetes under control but I don’t think he ever recovered fully,” Kristi Schaller of Elmer told the station.

Also, NBC10 Philadelphia released the 911 calls for the accident, showing how a number of cars saw the car moving erratically before it even got to the state 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.

Rudley was class valedictorian at Vineland High School in 1973, an only child who, after his parents died, began spending holidays at her house including this recent Thanksgiving, Schaller told CBS3. He also had a history of diabetic shock episodes.

“We knew about it because my brother and I checked on him at his house and he was passed out on the kitchen floor,” Schaller told the station.

The Vineland Class of 1973 Facebook page said Rudley practiced psychiatry for 34 years, primarily located in Elmer. His specialties include psychiatry and neurology. He was affiliated with a Pennsylvania hospital.

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

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 courtesy of VHS Class of 73