LOWER TOWNSHIP — A 17-year-old Villas boy was killed Jan. 14 when his motorcycle collided with a Lower Township trash truck.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Kevin Lewis of the Lower Township Police Department announced an investigation into the accident.
According to authorities, the Lower Township Police Department responded to a 911 call at about 11:34 a.m. regarding the collision on Bayshore Road near Atlantic Avenue in the Villas section of the township.
Authorities did not identify the victim but a link to a GoFundMe page posted to the story on the Prosecutor’s Office Facebook page led to a fundraiser organized by Kristina Conroy and Rebecca Smith on behalf of Christa Murphy.
“With heavy hearts, we share the devastating loss of Hayden Schofield, a 17 year old who was so full of life. We would like to give Hayden the dignified and heartfelt send-off that he deserves. Unfortunately, the financial burden of funeral expenses can be overwhelming during this already challenging time. We are reaching out for support in honoring Hayden’s memory. Thank you,” the GoFundMe page states.
Family members and friends held a memorial bike ride Jan. 18 in Cape May.
The preliminary investigation revealed the trash truck was traveling northbound on Bayshore Road and turning right onto east Atlantic Avenue when it collided with the dirt bike, which was traveling southbound in the northbound shoulder of the roadway.
Authorities said the truck driver told them that while attempting the turn, the dirt bike was seen approaching at a high rate of speed and an attempt was made to stop. Despite these efforts, the dirt bike collided head-on with the truck, coming to rest in front of the vehicle.
Witness interviews corroborated the driver’s account, indicating the truck was traveling approximately 5 mph and came to a complete stop at the time of the impact.
Investigators conducted a comprehensive scene investigation, including photographic documentation and the use of a Faro scanner to capture critical data for further analysis.
Surveillance footage from a nearby camera depicted the moment of the collision, which corroborated the driver’s and witnesses’ observations.
This is an ongoing investigation. Sutherland urges anyone with information regarding the incident to call (609) 465-1135.
According to his obituary, Schofield was born March 15, 2007, in Cape May Court House. He was the son of Rebecca Smith and Stephen Schofield of Villas.
Schofield recently graduated from Coastal Prep High School in Cape May Court House.
He was described as outgoing, smart and kind.
Schofield had a passion for riding and racing dirt bikes, motocross and SE bike riding.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his paternal grandmother Ann Nichols; uncles Joshua Smith, Jacob Rinier and Rocky Pellerito; aunts Jessika Smith and Christa Pellerito; and cousins Savanna Smith, Mckenzie Dallin, Jaycee and Jacob Rinier Jr., Gianna Smith, Justin Smith and Mia and Dominic Pellerito.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Road in North Cape May. A celebration of his life will immediately follow. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff