Ocean Gate Woman Dies After Being Struck By Minivan In Bayville

by Patricia A. Miller

An evening walk turned tragic Friday night when a 19-year-old Ocean Gate woman tried to cross Western Boulevard and was struck by a minivan, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Julia E. Charles was pronounced dead at Community Medical Center in Toms River shortly after the 8:10 p.m. accident. Charles was struck by a Chrysler minivan driven by Patricia Ashford, 64, of Bayville, Della Fave said.

Ashford was traveling northbound on Western Boulevard and Charles was attempting to cross the roadway from west to east when she was hit, he said.

Witnesses told police that Charles was wearing dark clothing and talking on the cell phone at the time of the accident, Della Fave said.

Ashford was traveling below the speed limit and was not impaired by alcohol or drugs. She was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment of shock, he said.

"At this point, nothing appears to be criminal," Della Fave said. "It's a tragic accident."

The accident is under investigation by the Berkeley Township police department and the Prosecutor's Office. No summonses were issued, he said.