Frank Santomauro, John Martin Obituary, Death: Names Released of Three Killed in Road Accidents; Monmouth County Sees 45% Increase in Traffic Deaths

Frank Santomauro, John Martin Obituary, Death – The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office released the identities of three individuals who tragically died in separate motor vehicle accidents over the weekend, reflecting a troubling trend in the region’s traffic fatalities. On Saturday evening, Frank Santomauro, 71, from Howell, was struck and killed while crossing at the intersection of Route 9 and Strickland Road in Howell. Police arrived at the scene around 7:45 p.m. and found Santomauro, who was later pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, a 58-year-old man from Howell driving a 2016 Honda CR-V, stayed at the scene after the incident. The driver’s name has not been disclosed by authorities.

Also on Saturday night, John Martin, 55, of Long Branch, was tragically killed in West Long Branch while riding his bicycle at the intersection of Route 36 and Monmouth Road. The 18-year-old driver of a 2018 Range Rover from Tinton Falls remained at the scene. Police have not released the driver’s identity, and the investigation into the incident continues.

In Colts Neck, a third fatal accident occurred on Monday morning when Steve Goldman, 79, of Jackson, died in a crash at Route 537 and New Street. Details surrounding the incident remain scarce, as the investigation is ongoing.

These recent fatalities contribute to an alarming increase in traffic deaths in the region. Since the start of 2024, Monmouth County has experienced 48 motor vehicle-related deaths, including 22 drivers, five passengers, four bicyclists, and 17 pedestrians. This represents a 45% increase from the 33 fatalities recorded by this time in 2023, highlighting a troubling upward trend in road safety.

In comparison, neighboring Ocean County has recorded 43 traffic fatalities in 2024, including 26 drivers, four passengers, two bicyclists, and 11 pedestrians. This marks a slight increase of about 2% from the 42 fatalities reported by the same time in 2023.

Authorities are seeking information about the crashes. Anyone with details about the Howell accident is encouraged to contact Detective Nicolas Logothetis of the Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443 or Howell Police Officers Kyle Bush or Anthony DeMatteo at 732-938-4111.

The increase in traffic-related deaths across both counties underscores the growing need for road safety improvements, education, and enforcement to address these rising fatal crashes.