A Bayville teenager, who is also a student at Central Regional High School, has died after being hit by a car while crossing Route 37 East near Route 166 in Toms River early Sunday morning, around 3:09 am.

Toms River Police said that the 17 year old male victim, from Bayville, was reportedly just leaving work when he attempted to cross Route 37 in the southbound direction.

He was approximately 60’ from the crosswalk, police said, when he entered the roadway and was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by Mark Roma, 46 of Toms River, who was traveling eastbound with a green traffic signal.

A preliminary investigation by Toms River Police has revealed that speed was not a factor in the accident and there were no indications of driver impairment.

Witnesses told Toms River Police Officers that at the time the 17-year old entered the roadway there was a 'no pedestrian crossing signal' activated which means that pedestrians can not cross the roadway.

Witnesses also said that the pedestrian was wearing darker clothing.

The victim was taken to Community Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

The incident is being investigated by Toms River Traffic Safety Officer Robert Westfall.

Toms River Police were assisted on the scene by the Ocean County Sheriff CIU, New Jersey State Police and the DOT Diversion Team.

"We would like to thank all responding agencies," Toms River Police spokeswoman Jillian Messina said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all involved."

Central Regional Schools Superintendent Tom Parlapanides confirmed to Townsquare Media News on Sunday that the pedestrian in the crash was a Central Regional student.

"Our prayers and condolences go out to the family. We will have our Crisis Team ready tomorrow and as needed to make sure all the needs of the students and teachers are met. It is a real tragedy and can't imagine what the family is going through and once again the entire Central Regional Family wishes their condolences and prayers to the family," Parlapanides said.

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