LEBANON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — A 19-year-old man died after a motorcycle crash Saturday night in Lebanon Township, authorities said.
Police responded at about 9:20 p.m. April 18 to the area of 477 County Route 513 for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving an unconscious and unresponsive driver. Additional information indicated the crash involved a motorcycle and that the operator had been ejected.
Officers found the rider in a grassy area along the northbound lane of County Route 513 with apparent serious injuries, police said.
Emergency responders from the Lebanon Township Police Department, Lebanon Township Fire Department and Hunterdon Medical Center paramedics initiated life-saving measures. The rider was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities identified the victim as Michael Vasquez-Chicaiza, 19, of Glen Gardner.
According to his obituary, Vasquez-Chicaiza was a graduate of Voorhees High School and was continuing his education at Raritan Valley Community College. He worked as a front-end supervisor at Aqui Supermarket in Califon and also assisted with maintenance at St. John Neumann Church, where he was known for his strong work ethic and warm, friendly personality.
A preliminary investigation indicates the motorcycle was traveling northbound on County Route 513 at the time of the crash. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
The crash remains under investigation by the Lebanon Township Police Department, with assistance from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office.
