🚨 DRIVER IN FATAL LAVALLETTE RESTAURANT CRASH WON’T FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES ⚠️

LAVALLETTE, NJ — Police say the 93-year-old driver whose SUV crashed into the outdoor dining area of Meg’s Grill in Lavallette, killing a Toms River woman and injuring seven others, will not face criminal charges.

According to Lavallette Police Chief Christian LaCicero, the driver was issued a careless driving summons. Police have also requested that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission conduct a driving skills retest.

The crash happened Saturday morning when police said the SUV accelerated after the driver mistakenly pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake while attempting to park. The vehicle traveled into the restaurant’s outdoor dining area before striking the building.

💔 Ursula “Sandie” Keating, 56, of Toms River, was killed in the crash. Seven restaurant patrons were also injured. No restaurant employees were injured, according to the restaurant’s owner.

Keating’s death has drawn significant support from the local first responder community. Her husband, John Keating Jr., is chief of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company and also works with Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services. Their son is also a Silverton firefighter, while Keating’s father previously served as a firefighter in Garfield.

🕊️ Funeral services for Keating are scheduled for Friday at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home in Toms River. Visitation begins at 3 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. prayer service.

🏛️ Potential Safety Legislation

State Sen. Jim Holzapfel said he plans to introduce legislation that would require restaurants with outdoor dining areas located near active roadways to install protective barriers, such as bollards or other approved safety measures.

The proposal comes as officials consider additional ways to protect outdoor diners from vehicles that accidentally leave the roadway.

📍 Lavallette, New Jersey

🕊️ Garden State News Network extends our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Ursula “Sandie” Keating, and our thoughts remain with everyone injured in the crash.