Another traffic death in state's fastest-growing town despite new police push

A 29-year-old man was struck and killed by a car as he tried to cross Route 70 in Lakewood Sunday night, township police said.

William Fernando Campo Verde, of Lakewood, was hit by a westbound 2017 Nissan Altima around 8:40 p.m., near Vermont Avenue, according to Detective Lt. Gregory Staffordsmith.

Verde was crossing the highway outside of a crosswalk when he was struck, police said. He suffered a serious head injury and died at Monmouth Medical, Southern Campus.

Staffordsmith said no summonses have been issued to the Nissan driver, who was identified as a 56-year-old Whiting woman. An investigation was ongoing.

Officials have reported more than a dozen traffic deaths in the state's fastest growing town over the past year. Last month, Ocean County authorities announced they would step up traffic enforcement in Lakewood in response to an uptick in roadway fatalities.

Noah Cohen may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook.

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