By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey State Police are investigating a tragic motor vehicle crash that claimed the lives of a Burlington County couple on Sunday evening.
Authorities said troopers were called to the intersection of U.S. Highway 206 and Quaker Bridge Road in Shamong Township at approximately 7:54 p.m. on September 1.
According to a preliminary investigation, Derek Gantham, 21, of Tabernacle, was driving a Ford F-350 pickup truck south on U.S. 206 when it collided with a Toyota passenger vehicle entering the intersection from Quaker Bridge Road.
The Toyota, driven by 66-year-old John E. Hawley of Marlton, overturned after the impact and plunged into Atsion Lake.
His passenger, 66-year-old Theresa Hawley, was also in the vehicle.
Both John and Theresa Hawley sustained fatal injuries in the crash. Gantham suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
State Police said the investigation into the cause of the crash remains active, and no further details were immediately available.