Mantua Township, NJ (July 21, 2026) – A woman was killed, and a child was injured after a late-night crash on Route 55 in Mantua Township on Sunday, July 19.
According to investigators, officers stopped a vehicle shortly before midnight and instructed a backseat passenger, identified as 41-year-old Holly Hageman, to exit the vehicle. Authorities said Hageman moved into the driver’s seat while an officer was speaking with the driver and drove away. The vehicle was later found several miles away after striking a tree.
Hageman was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 5-year-old child inside the vehicle was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and are thinking of the child as they continue to recover.
What Is Reviewed After a Crash Involving a Vehicle Leaving a Traffic Stop?
Crashes that happen after a vehicle leaves a traffic stop may involve a review of the vehicle’s movements, roadway conditions, and events leading up to the collision. Investigators may examine the crash scene, vehicle damage, and available evidence to better understand what happened.
Other details, including witness accounts, traffic conditions, and the condition of the roadway, may also be considered. These factors can help provide a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the crash and the events before the impact.
