13-year-old killed in tragic car crash in New Jersey
- A 13-year-old boy named Chase Yoachum was killed in a car crash in Middle Township, New Jersey.
- The crash involved a Mitsubishi Lancer colliding with a Honda Accord carrying Chase and his father.
- Chase's mother shares her heartbreak and emphasizes the family's loss in the face of such tragedy.
On Monday morning, a tragic incident occurred in Middle Township, New Jersey, where a 13-year-old boy named Chase Yoachum lost his life in a car crash. The accident happened around 5 a.m. on Court House-South Dennis Road, when a 26-year-old male driver from Woodbine swerved into oncoming traffic in an attempt to pass another vehicle. Chase was traveling in a Honda Accord with his father, Michael Yoachum, when their car was struck by the Mitsubishi Lancer, resulting in severe injuries to both but ultimately leading to Chase’s death at a hospital later that day. Chase’s father was airlifted to a nearby hospital and underwent emergency treatment, fighting to survive after sustaining multiple fractures. Despite the initial doubts about his recovery, he was reported to have stabilized and successfully removed from a ventilator. The devastation was palpable as Chase’s mother, Colleen Yoachum, expressed her grief for losing her son and her fears that her husband might not survive. The family had just returned from a weekend camping trip when their lives were forever altered. The crash investigation is being handled by the Middle Township Major Crimes Unit alongside the Accident Crash Unit. Authorities have kept the details of potential charges against the Mitsubishi driver under wraps, and as such, there is uncertainty about legal ramifications stemming from the crash. Meanwhile, Chase's mother has publicly shared her sorrow and the sheer impossibility of losing a child, emphasizing the love and goodness in her son's life while highlighting the trauma her family now faces. In response to the tragedy, community members and school officials paid tribute to Chase, acknowledging the role he played in their lives as a friend, teammate, and kind-hearted soul. His loss resonates deeply within the community, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of reckless driving. Investigations continue to ensure accountability as the family navigates this heart-wrenching ordeal.