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Middletown Father and Son, 6, Killed in Holmdel Crash

Two-car accident on Van Schoick Road Sunday morning.

A Sunday morning car accident killed a Middletown man and his six-year-old son and left his daughter and two others seriously injured, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.

First Assistant Prosecutor Marc LeMieux said the two-car crash on Van Schoick Road occurred at 10:09 a.m. A blue Subaru driven by George DiCostanzo, 38, of Middletown and a white Jeep Cherokee driven by John McCormack, 44, of Middletown.

DiCostanzo’s son, six-year-old Christopher, and daughter, four-year-old Pearl were also in the vehicle, LeMieux said. DiCostanzo was pronounced dead at the scene. Christopher DiCostanzo was transported to Riverview Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:27 a.m. Pearl DiCostanzo was taken to Jersey Shore University but was expected to survive, according to LeMieux.

McCormack and his passenger, Stephanie Pavlicek, 38, of Middletown, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Holmdel police conducted an investigation at the scene along with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Serious Collision Accident Reconstruction Team. The mangled cars remained on the roadway through Sunday afternoon, with Middletown police redirecting traffic around Van Schoick Road accident scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash can contact Patrolman Joseph Van Pelt of the Holmdel Police Department at  732-946-4400 or Detective Tim Kerecman of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 732-431-7160 x7920. 

Funeral services have been announced by the John E. Day funeral home in Red Bank. See this article for information. 

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Joe Cool October 1, 2012 at 07:48 pm
So I post a few facts about the accident and the patch removes my post, however they allow JosephGhabourLaw to troll for clients after such a terrible accident...the patch really sucks
Jacklyn Corley (Editor) October 1, 2012 at 07:59 pm
Hi Joe,
Unconfirmed speculation of what may have led to the accident was deleted. You may have knowledge of what is going on inside the accident investigation, but unless we as a news organization have confirmed facts about what actually occurred, we're not going to run it.
Pam Curchin October 1, 2012 at 08:36 pm
What a terrible tragedy for one family to face. Whatever the reasons for the accident are the outcome is still the same. Lives are lost and a family is forever shattered. My prayers go out to the family and friends and also to the poor man and his son. May they rest in peace.
Marlene Prado October 1, 2012 at 08:40 pm
The speeding cars is for both ways exiting the parkway and for entering the parkway, some peolple flies over that road and the worst part talking by phone.I thinks, building some fences to contain the deers will may help too. During the night I don't feel confortable driving 45mph because of the posible deer crossing plus the poor illumination.
Marlene Prado October 1, 2012 at 08:44 pm
The speeding cars is for both ways exiting the parkway and for entering the parkway, some peolple flies over that road and the worst part talking by phone.I thinks, building some fences to contain the deers will may help too. During the night I don't feel confortable driving 45mph because of the posible deer crossing plus the poor illumination.My prayers for both families.
Susan S October 1, 2012 at 09:17 pm
My thoughts are with the family - this is just horrible. I do hope you update with details of the accident. I drive on that road so often I just can't imagine how an accident this bad occurred. The reasons behind it could be useful in preventing it from happening again. I'm not looking to blame anyone, just want to learn ways to keep my family and myself safer.
ResidentM October 1, 2012 at 10:03 pm
The news article is about a tragedy that we all wish we wouldn't be reading about. We all can wonder and some even "speculate" on what happened that morning. We do have facts, that two people died, three were badly injured and families shattered. Responders and good Samaritans and even readers of the patch have to remember this day and hope we never have to go through such a terrible thing. If "praying" for them is not your thing, then just think of these families and channel compassion to them and forget about what may have happened and don't speculate. Even if you are part of the investigation and may know something, let the authorities release that info. God bless these families.
Clarenceworley October 1, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Well said.
Tom Brokaw October 1, 2012 at 10:24 pm
It is funny that the patch only allows non-sense to be posted in the main articles. The patch is a news organization? Are you kidding. It is only used so people can posty nasty things anonymously on here and get their rocks off. Delusions of grandeur. Wow.
Joe Cool - keep re posting it so we can see the truth.
Clarenceworley October 1, 2012 at 10:27 pm
I'm not really seeing the "ambulance chaser" part of this. Regardless of what he does for a living he seems to be offering supportive words in times of tragedy. Unless he's putting "1-800-SUE-AGUY" at the end of his posts, why crucify him?
Joanne Corley October 2, 2012 at 12:12 am
Prayersfor thefamily....what a horrific accident ...If any good can come of this would be to mske us all more cautious"
Bayratt October 2, 2012 at 12:36 am
Right now we should all stop pointing fingers, and speculating. Pray for this Wife/Mom, she just lost her husband and baby boy.Her daughter is injured, Her life will never be the same. thisi is a tragedy, Put yourself in her place. My prayers are with Pearl, fora full recovery, both physical and mental And for the mom, to find some peace and solace.
jvalentino October 2, 2012 at 12:43 am
i have not stopped thinking about it since i glanced at the Press on my lunch break.
just taking a look at the crushed Suburu, the obvious question would be was what was the rate of speed of the vehicle that hit it. excessive speed on the roads is a daily occurence, and it happens morning, noon, and night. i am sick at this tragedy and i feel so bad, for the little girl, and her mother.
Renee October 2, 2012 at 01:25 am
Definitely looks like an ambulance chaser! His advertisement for his practice was posted as the sponsor right above the photos of this heart wrenching story. How low can one go? This poor lady's life was tragically torn apart and he is worried about getting publicity .
Jackie October 2, 2012 at 04:05 pm
This is just terrible.
I have a local buisness and want to raise money for the family. Does anyone know of there is any fund set up yet? Reading a story like gives me chills. This poor woman wakes up and her life is forever changed.
dolores October 2, 2012 at 04:38 pm
As a mom of four and grandmother of twin one year olds I just can't get this poor woman out of my mind. Let me know if you come up with something, Dolores Brunelli
Jersey Shore October 2, 2012 at 05:57 pm
This tragedy haunts me. Many many prayers to all.
Jersey Shore October 2, 2012 at 06:02 pm
A photo and professional profile of the father is on LinkedIn - what a successful, intelligent, very good looking - all-american man - so young - I feel for his wife (and her family) as they don't have any friends or family in the area that I have of - since they just moved here. Pls post if anyone knows of how we locals can help. In Holmdel-Middletown.
Trisha October 2, 2012 at 06:29 pm
Jackie, please let us know either way. Thank you.
Kayla October 2, 2012 at 08:13 pm
Oh really Mr ClarenceWorley? Check out his posting history..Simply disgusting!!
Peaches13 October 3, 2012 at 07:08 pm
For all that were interested a support fund has been set up for Cara & Pearl
please donate to a support fund for Cara and Pearl DiCostanzo at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZSQGNX5JNMTAU
Susan S October 3, 2012 at 09:22 pm
A local facebook group I belong to has set up a paypal account for donations. I believe a member of the family is in contact with the person who set this one up. The family also mentioned getting a PO Box for the family if people feel more comfortable writing a check. I'm so shaken up by this tragedy, but I'm so glad to live in a real community that cares about people.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZSQGNX5JNMTAU
maria pereira October 3, 2012 at 09:36 pm
Don't see any graphic pictures, what are you talking about?
Noel October 4, 2012 at 04:18 am
Thank you for posting the link for the support fund. Please also post the PO Box address once it is available. I had worked with George back in 2006-2007 and I am very saddened to hear about this tragic news.
lulu555 October 4, 2012 at 04:43 pm
jvalentino....
Wow, do you have super powers we don't know about?????? How do you know who hit who, at what speed?????? Stop speculating and wait for the facts........Did you take a good look at the pictures????? Who's in who's lane????? Sounds like you're already pointing fingers!!!!!!!!!
Eross October 6, 2012 at 02:53 am
Hi, you may want to contact the principal at Middletown village. The boy was a student there, as are my kids. The Pfa may be setting something up to help the family out. Karen zupancic is the principal. Such a terrible tragedy
Cara C. October 6, 2012 at 11:13 pm
I went to highschool with George, and he was a funny, spirited and popular kid. He was two years older than me, but I still remember him.
Cara C. October 6, 2012 at 11:15 pm
I went to highschool with George, and he was a nice and funny kid. When you comment, please remember that these are people, and that their friends and relatives are reading. Try this - only say something you would say if your own son/daughter/wife/sister/brother died.
lulu555 October 9, 2012 at 12:18 am
Yes, and all should remember that the people in the other car are a son and daughter to parents, or a brother or sister, or an aunt or uncle, or a friend of someones, so finger pointing comments, name calling, and unproven accusations are just as harmful, especially when no facts or details of the cause of the accident have been released at all. Respect to all should be given unless people have the details of the investigation. The others in the Jeep are PEOPLE too. Wait for the FACTS before making accusations and speculating.
KS October 17, 2012 at 12:41 am
It's been several weeks since this accident. Has the investigation been completed, and are the conclusions regarding the cause of the accident going to be reported to the public? Thank you.
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