Howell Driver In Fatal Parkway Crash Had Suspended License; Family Speaks Out

The community is still reeling from a tragic Garden State Parkway accident in Toms River last week that started with a deer striking a car, and left a Lakehurst man dead a Howell driver injured, and facing possible charges.

Twenty-one-year-old Kyle Wands of Lakehurst was southbound in the center lane near milemarker 87.5 in Toms River when the deer struck the passenger side of his car just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.

Wands stopped in the roadway and got out of his vehicle, but he was soon struck by another car driven by 25-year-old Anthony Labella of Howell Township. Wands was knocked to the side of the road, while Labella was ejected from his vehicle, according to The Associated Press.

Both men were taken to a hospital, where Wands was pronounced dead a short time later. Labella was in serious condition, according to the AP.

Labella’s wife Shannon, 31, Toms River, issued a statement through their lawyer, Aaron S. Liller, on Saturday morning after her husband was charged with driving with a suspended license following Wednesday’s Parkway fatality, according to the The Asbury Park Press.

“This was a tragic accident that claimed the life of one party and left the other in critical condition. Mr. Labella did not have notice of his license suspension and in no way did that contribute to this accident,” Labella said, according to The Asbury Park Press. “At this time everyone's thoughts and prayers should be with the families of both involved.”