SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. — A tragic series of events early Monday morning claimed the life of 32-year-old Albert R. Masonius of Keyport, after he was struck by a passing vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike, authorities confirmed.

According to the New Jersey State Police, the incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. on the southbound inner roadway near milepost 76 in South Brunswick. Investigators say Masonius had been involved in a five-vehicle collision that left his car disabled in the center lane of the Turnpike.

Following the crash, Masonius exited his vehicle and was standing in the left lane when he was struck by a passing SUV, resulting in fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers report that Masonius’s vehicle had been hit during the initial chain-reaction crash, causing it to collide with a minivan before coming to rest disabled in the roadway. Two occupants of a Honda SUV, also involved in the first crash, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

Authorities have not yet released details about whether the SUV driver who struck Masonius remained at the scene or cooperated with investigators. The New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit continues to examine the circumstances surrounding both collisions.

The tragic incident caused significant delays along the Turnpike’s inner lanes for several hours Monday morning as crews worked to clear the scene and document evidence.

This heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of exiting a vehicle on high-speed roadways. Authorities urge drivers involved in crashes to remain inside their vehicles when possible, move to the shoulder if safe, and call 911 for assistance.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information has yet been released.