Motorcycist Killed in Crash with Ocean Co. Freeholder's SUV in Eagleswood

A 24-year-old Barnegat man was pronounced dead at the scene early Friday evening after his motorcycle collided with a sports utility vehicle driven by Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, according to the New Jersey State Police.

William Kolb was driving south on Route 9 on his black 2011 Harley Davidson at approximately 6:35 p.m., near mile marker 65.5. He attempted to pass the vehicle in front of him, then collided with the right fender of Kelly's 2005 sports utility vehicle when he tried to return to the lane of traffic, said Trooper Joseph Mezzo.

Kelly, 61, of West Creek section of Eagleswood Township, was traveling northbound on Route 9 and was attempting to make a left turn in the West Creek Deli when the collision occurred, Mezzo said.

Kolb was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered severe injuries. He died at the scene. Kelly was uninjured, said Mezzo, who is the investigating officer.

No charges have been filed, he said.

"There was nothing criminal that we see at all," Mezzo said. "The accident is under investigation."

John Kelly, known as "Jack", is chairman of the Law and Public Safety, according to his biography on the freeholders' website. He has served on the Freeholder board since 1993, is a former volunteer fireman, and the father of five children, according to the biography.