Man Killed In Car-Tree Crash In Toms River ID'd

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Berkeley Township man has been identified as the driver who died when a car hit a tree in Toms River on Jan. 15.

Brandon Ayala, 33, of Bayville, died at the scene of the crash, said Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department. The identity of Ayala's passenger, who was injured in the crash, has not been released by authorities.

Ayala was not the registered owner of the car, Stocco said.

Police and medical units were called to the area of Washington Street and Clifton Avenue shortly before 9 p.m. on Jan. 15 and found a 2006 Mini Cooper, which had been traveling east on Washington, had hit a tree, causing extensive damage.

Ayala was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived, Stocco said. The passenger had multiple injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, he said.

The crash is being investigated by Toms River Traffic Officers Mark Nater and David Bartoshek, he said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department.

Note: This article has been updated to correct Ayala's age to 33.

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