Brick Township Police Department officers and local emergency medical services responded to reports of a major collision at the intersection of Drum Point Road and Johnson Road

BRICK TOWNSHIP, New Jersey — A 97-year-old local resident, Frank Pugliese, was fatally injured in a two-vehicle collision in Ocean County on Monday evening, September 28, 2026.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., Brick Township Police Department officers and local emergency medical services responded to reports of a major collision at the intersection of Drum Point Road and Johnson Road. According to preliminary police findings, Pugliese was driving a 2024 Hyundai Elantra eastbound on Drum Point Road when his vehicle crossed the painted center median line and collided with a westbound 2026 Cadillac Escalade operated by 36-year-old Taylor Reinig. Emergency responders provided immediate trauma assistance at the scene, but Pugliese sustained fatal injuries. Reinig suffered minor injuries in the impact and was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

Official Status and Traffic Investigation

The Brick Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit has initiated an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

Traffic officers and collision reconstruction specialists closed Drum Point Road in both directions for approximately five hours Monday evening to document physical evidence, assess vehicle mechanics, and reconstruct the impact trajectory. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office were notified to assist with formal notifications and investigative procedures. Details concerning formal visitation hours, funeral service locations, or memorial arrangements will be released once finalized by his family.

Community Tributes and Family Support

News of Frank Pugliese’s passing has brought deep sorrow to neighbors, friends, and community members throughout Brick Township and Ocean County.

Loved ones and community members remembered Pugliese as a long-time resident whose long life spanned nearly a century of memories and personal connections. Deepest condolences continue to be extended to his family and friends as they navigate this sudden loss.