Brick Memorial H.S. sophomore fatally struck while riding bike

BRICK TOWNSHIP -- The community is mourning the loss of a Brick Memorial High School student who was fatally struck by a car while riding his bicycle Saturday night.

Drew Aponte, a 15-year-old sophomore, was killed after he was hit by a car around 10:45 p.m. as he crossed Route 70 at the intersection of Burnt Tavern Road.

"Brick Township Public Schools Acting Superintendent Dennis Filippone, the Brick Township Public Schools Board of Education and the entire Brick Township school community mourns the loss of this student and send our deepest sympathy to the Aponte family," the statement said. "Mr. Filippone encourages both staff and students to take advantage of counseling that will be offered at the school on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m."

At this time, no plans have been announced for a memorial service or funeral, the statement said.

Brick police said on Sunday that Aponte was riding his bike on Burnt Tavern Road when he attempted to cross Route 70 heading northbound. A 2017 Subaru Forrester was traveling west on Route 70 as it approached Burnt Tavern Road, police said. As Aponte entered the westbound lane of Route 70, he was hit by the Subaru, according to a police statement.

Aponte hit the car's windshield and was thrown to the ground, suffering fatal injuries, police said. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police statement did not name the victim, but he was identified in the statement released by the Brick Township School District.

The driver will not be charged, according to a police spokesman, Sgt. Neal Pedersen.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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