Mathew Adams, 17, Killed Crossing Rt. 36 into Hazlet

This story was updated on Jan. 24.

Funeral services have been announced for Mathew "Chewy" Adams, 17, of Union Beach, who has killed crossing Route 36.

Adams, a student at Keyport High School, was struck by a taxi cab around 9:48 p.m. Jan. 21, as he attempted to cross Route 36 East, into Hazlet.

"Mat will always be remembered for his smile, wit and mischieviousness," his obituary says.

The young man was crossing the highway at the intersection of Route 36 and Stone Road, from the Union Beach side to the Hazlet side. The intersection is near the Holy Family Elementary School building.

He was hit by a vehicle operated by Holmdel Car Service. Police identified the driver as Logan Covert, 31, of Hazlet.

"It appears [the juvenile] might have been crossing against the light," said Lt. Stephen Schmidt of Hazlet Police, in an interview Sunday.

The taxi driver had just picked up three passengers at the Hazlet Shoprite and was traveling east, said Schmidt. "The car had a green light. He said he just didn't see [the juvenile] until the last minute. He attempted to avoid him," he said.

The young man was wearing dark clothing, police said. The roadway was clear of the day's snowfall, which had been plowed to the sides of the intersection.

Schmidt said he did not know if the victim was a high school student.

The roadway remained closed until 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

No summonses have been issued. The accident was reported to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and is under investigation by police.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is requested to contact Lt. Schmidt at (732) 264-6565.