WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – An 18-year-old high school student who died Wednesday evening after a single-vehicle crash in Washington Township has been ruled a suicide, according to the Lehigh County Conner’s Office.
The crash happened at around 5:33 p.m. on Franklin Road, police said.
A preliminary police investigation revealed that Jake Stria of Washington was driving in a Nissan north on Franklin Road when he left the roadway and struck a tree, police said.
Stria was flown to St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem Campus in Pennsylvania where he was pronounced dead at 7:24 p.m., according to the corner’s office.
Franklin Road was closed between West Asbury Anderson Road and Rymon Road until 7:30 p.m., police said.
Washington Township Police were assisted by the Washington Emergency Squad, Washington Township and Washington Borough Fire Departments and Hunterdon Medical Center Paramedics.
“The accident remains under investigation,” police said.
The school district has grief counselors and other support staff on hand for students and staff members, police said.
A GoFundMe page set up to help Jake’s dad and sister has already raised more than $13,955 as of Thursday afternoon.
“On a personal level and along with the Washington Township committee and staff, we offer our prayers and condolences for the Stria family and friends,” Washington Township Mayor Robert Klingel said.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
Anthony Preziosi contributed to this report.
