Beloved NJ Turkey That Held Up Traffic, Attacked Vehicles, Killed By Car

DEPTFORD, NJ — Fred, the turkey that has "patrolled" the area near Clements Bridge Road in Deptford for years, has died, Deptford Township Police said.

He was hit by a car on Wednesday, removed, and then buried by a resident, according to NJ Advance Media.

The department said they received more than 100 calls over time about him, "But, he was our handful and we loved him."

Fred was known by locals for attacking cars and long, random pauses as he would stand in the roadway and hold up traffic frequently.

"Deptford aint' Deptford without you," a tribute song created by Officer Ricky Rodgers called out.

Fred, also known to some as "Tom," was named "Citizen of the Month" by the Township in April of 2025 as a local celebrity.

Police signed off their tribute on Wednesday with a reassurance to the community that, "Fred's patrolling the big intersection in the sky now."

A memorial service was held on Friday at DHY Motorsports (1300 Clements Bridge Rd).

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