Authorities Identify Pedestrian, 84, Killed in Hit-and-Run

As authorities continue their search for a vehicle that struck and killed an 84-year-old pedestrian in South Toms River Monday night, they have also released his identity.

William Gaughan, a South Toms River resident, was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center with "severe head and body trauma" after being struck at approximately 5:54 p.m. in the eastbound lane of Dover Road at the intersection of Chamberlain Street near the 7-Eleven store there, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Gaughan succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m., said Della Fave.

According to investigators, the vehicle that struck Gaughan has been described by a witness as a small black or dark colored vehicle with possible damage to its front passenger side and windshield.

After hitting the pedestrian, the vehicle continued east on Dover Road leaving the area, possibly entering the Garden State Parkway northbound.

A witness immediately called 911 for assistance, said Della Fave.

The cause of the crash is pending further investigation at this time, Della Fave said.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or has information regarding the vehicle and driver that fled the scene, is being asked to contact South Toms River Police Department Det. William Kosh at 732-349-0313 or Ocean County Prosecutor’s Det. Craig Ally at 732-814-4821.

They are being assisted in the investigation by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Criminalistics Investigation Unit.