UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, Monmouth County, N.J., Oct. 5, 2026 — A child died, and a 66-year-old woman was hurt on Saturday morning, October 3, after an SUV backing out of a parking space struck them at a farm brewery property, New Jersey State Police said.
The crash happened around 11:07 a.m. in a parking lot off Emleys Hill Road, according to Trooper Charles Marchan. The woman, identified by troopers as Ellen Gabriel of Roselle Park, and the child were walking through the lot when they were hit by a Chrysler SUV, Marchan said.
The child's age and gender were not released. The child died of injuries from the crash. Gabriel was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported at the scene.
The driver of the SUV has not been identified publicly. State police have not named the business where the crash occurred, but Screamin' Hill Brewery, located on Emleys Hill Road, said on social media that it closed that day because of an emergency in its parking lot. The property, which shares land with Bullock Farms, stayed closed the following day as well.
The crash remains under investigation, troopers said.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
When Parking Lot Crashes Involving Pedestrians Are Most Likely
Parking lot crashes tend to cluster around the busiest hours for a given business, not around darkness or bad weather the way road crashes usually do. At a farm, brewery, or similar destination, that means late morning through afternoon on weekends, when cars are arriving and leaving at the same time pedestrians are walking between vehicles, entrances, and outdoor seating.
Backing-up crashes are a particular risk in these settings because drivers have limited visibility behind and beside their vehicles, and lots are usually unstriped or irregularly shaped on farm and event properties. Foot traffic moving between parked cars adds another layer of risk, since neither the driver nor the pedestrian may have a clear sightline until they are close together.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person was killed every 13 minutes in traffic crashes in 2023. Many of those crashes, including ones in parking areas, involve a brief lapse in visibility or attention rather than high speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown from their seats or ejected during a crash, which lowers the risk of fatal injury substantially in most types of collisions. They matter less in pedestrian-involved crashes like this one, but remain one of the most effective protections for people inside a vehicle.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request a copy of the official crash report once it's released, ask the investigating agency about next steps, and reach out to local victim services organizations for support. It's also reasonable to ask when and how updates on the investigation will be shared.
How are fatal crashes investigated?
Investigators typically document the scene, interview witnesses and involved parties, and review any available video or vehicle data. For crashes involving pedestrians, they also examine sightlines, vehicle positioning, and whether mechanical or visibility factors played a role.
How long do fatal-crash investigations take?
Timelines vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and whether charges are being considered. Some conclude in weeks, while others take months if toxicology results, data downloads, or additional witness interviews are needed.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Upper Freehold Township, NJ
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so officers and medical responders can reach the scene quickly. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries take hours to appear.
Witnesses should stay if it's safe to do so and share their account with responding officers, since firsthand observations can matter a great deal in these investigations. If you're a parent or caregiver at a business like a farm or brewery with open parking areas, it helps to hold children's hands closely near moving vehicles and to stay visible to drivers who may be backing out.
Anyone affected by a crash in Upper Freehold Township can also contact the New Jersey State Police for information on obtaining an official report once it becomes available.
