Yardville Man Triumphed Over Addiction Before Fatal Crash

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Vincent Zitani was just turning his life around. The 23-year-old Yardville man had reportedly just conquered an addiction problem, and had just gotten his beloved 1989 Pontiac Trans Am back on the street.

But Zitani had his second chance taken from him by a Philadelphia man police say was driving without a license.

Zitani was driving south on Route 130 in Robbinsville just before 6:30 p.m. on June 24 when his car was forced over a median into oncoming traffic in the area of Woodside Road, according to authorities.

After crossing the median, the Trans Am crashed into vehicles that were headed in the opposite direction, authorities said. Zitani was pronounced deceased on the scene. All seven occupants of the remaining vehicles were hospitalized. They have since been released from the hospital, authorities said on Tuesday morning.

Robert E. Torres, 24 of Philadelphia, fled the scene of the accident police said he caused in a white GMC Savana. The van was recovered in Langhorne, Pa., the following day, and Torres was arrested in Philadelphia by members of the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Fugitive Task Force, according to authorities. He was being held pending extradition to New Jersey.

Zitani was born in Trenton and graduated from Hamilton High School West in 2013, according to his online obituary. He appeared to have everything going for him. The sports enthusiast was a natural athlete. He was described as a “free spirit with a great outlook on life.”

At some point in their life, all great athletes must overcome adversity. It appears it was no different for Zatani, who became addicted to painkillers that were prescribed to him after he suffered a debilitating leg injury, his family told nj.com. He had defeated his addiction and was in better health. After having to put his car in the garage, he had just put it back on the road before his fatal accident.

The car was a bond he shared with his father, the family told the news outlet. Vinny was infatuated by a 1985 model he saw his father driving it as a young boy. His father, Pat, later convinced the owner to sell the car to him, and he rebuilt the motor.

"We are so very sorry for your loss," one person wrote as a memory in his online obituary. "Our hearts hurt for you and we are thinking of you during this difficult time."

He is survived by his parents Patrick and Pamela (Metzel) Zitani, and his three siblings, Felicia, Jillian and Michael, as well as his maternal grandmother, niece and many extended family members and friends. Funeral services for Zitani were held the Friday before the July 4th holiday.

His family asked that contributions be made in his name to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Organization (rsds.org).

Vincent Zitani, provided by Knotts Colonial Funeral Home and used with permission

Torres is charged with one count of second-degree vehicular homicide; one count of third-degree operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license while involved in an accident resulting in death of another; one count of fourth-degree operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license while involved in an accident resulting in serious bodily injury of another; five counts of fourth-degree assault by auto causing serious bodily injury; and two counts of assault by auto causing bodily injury, a disorderly persons offense.

The investigation into the accident is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Robbinsville Detective Sergeant Adrian Markowski at 609-259-3900, or Prosecutor's Detective Salvatore Vaccaro at 609-273-7453.

See related: Police Seek Van Driver After Deadly Mercer Co. Crash