Details of Last Night’s Fatal Car Fire in Plumsted

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced preliminary details of last night’s fatal car fire in Plumsted, Ocean County NJ.   Preliminary details of the event are as follows:

On May 1, 2017, Joint Base Fire Department spotted smoke in the area of Route 539 and Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area.  At approximately 7:12 pm, Joint Base Fire Department located a brush fire about a mile into the woods on Hawkin Road off of Route 539 in the Township of Plumsted. The brush fire was approximately one acre in size.  Upon further investigation of the fire scene, a vehicle was located on the side of Hawkins Road, which displayed significant fire and heat damage throughout the vehicle. Upon closer examination, the Investigator’s located a deceased individual in the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

At this time the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office, Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Plumsted Township Police are investigating.  It appears at this time that there is no foul play, however the investigation is continuing and the exact cause and manner of death has not yet been determined. The identity of the deceased is pending autopsy results and has not yet been determined. No further information will be released until the exact identity of the deceased is determined and the next of kin is notified.

There is no further information that can be provided at this time.