Two women were killed and another person was seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the Garden State Parkway in Toms River on Saturday night, October 24, 2026, after two vehicles struck a tractor-trailer that had stopped behind a disabled car, according to New Jersey State Police.
The fatal collision occurred in the northbound lanes near milepost 87, close to the Toms River toll plaza. Troopers responded at approximately 9:42 p.m. as emergency crews worked to assist those involved and investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The victims were identified as Caryn J. Coon, 22, of the Forked River section of Lacey Township, and Lauren J. Maturo, 32, of Syosset, New York. A third person, a 32-year-old woman from New York City, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The tractor-trailer driver sustained minor injuries, police said.
How the Crash Happened
According to the preliminary investigation, a Genesis passenger vehicle became disabled in the center lane of the northbound Garden State Parkway. A Freightliner tractor-trailer stopped behind the stranded vehicle.
Coon was driving a Honda sedan northbound when her car struck the rear of the stationary truck. The Honda subsequently left the roadway on the right side and traveled down a grassy embankment.
A Ford sport utility vehicle traveling behind the Honda then struck the rear of the same tractor-trailer. Maturo was riding in the front passenger seat of the Ford, which was driven by the injured 32-year-old woman.
Both Coon and Maturo died as a result of the collision. The Ford’s driver was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities have not publicly established all the factors that contributed to the sequence of collisions. The investigation remains ongoing.
Emergency Response and Traffic Disruption
The crash brought emergency responders to a busy section of the Garden State Parkway, where crews faced the challenge of assisting victims and securing the scene.
The northbound roadway near the Toms River toll plaza was affected as police and emergency personnel responded. The incident also highlighted the dangers that can arise when a vehicle becomes disabled in an active traffic lane, particularly at night when drivers may have limited time to react.
Investigators will continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the disabled Genesis, the tractor-trailer’s position and the events leading to the two impacts.
Investigation Continues
New Jersey State Police are investigating the crash. No final determination of fault or contributing factors had been announced in the reports available as of October 28, 2026.
The findings may help establish whether additional circumstances contributed to the collision. Until investigators release further details, the preliminary account remains the clearest public explanation of how the crash unfolded.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks posed by stopped vehicles on high-speed roadways and the importance of alert driving, particularly at night.
Remembering the Victims
The deaths of Coon and Maturo have left families and friends facing the sudden loss of two women whose lives ended in a violent roadway collision. The seriously injured driver also faces a period of recovery following the crash.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to establish the complete sequence of events and determine whether any additional information can clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
