EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — Community Mourns After Tragic Bike Path Collision Claims Life of 14-Year-Old Cyclist
A devastating accident along Maryland Avenue and the nearby bike path in Egg Harbor Township has left the community heartbroken after a 14-year-old local youth tragically lost his life following a collision with a vehicle. The incident, which occurred on July 18, 2025, has sparked a wave of grief and reflection within the Egg Harbor Township community, as residents come to terms with the sudden and heartbreaking loss.
The Tragic Collision
At approximately [time not specified], Egg Harbor Township Police responded to reports of a serious collision involving a vehicle and a pedal cyclist at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and the bike path. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 14-year-old male cyclist — a resident of Egg Harbor Township — critically injured following a collision with a vehicle.
Emergency responders from EHT Rescue acted swiftly, providing life-saving measures before transporting the young cyclist to AtlanticCare Regional Medical Center’s Trauma Unit. Due to the severity of his injuries, the teen was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital Trauma Center in Camden, a leading facility for critical care in South Jersey. Despite the valiant efforts of medical professionals, the young cyclist tragically succumbed to his injuries.
His identity has not been officially released pending family notification, and the community has rallied to support the grieving family during this time of unimaginable sorrow.
The Driver and Vehicle Details
The vehicle involved in the collision was operated by Laryssa Foschini, a 47-year-old resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Foschini was traveling with her three juvenile passengers at the time of the accident. Thankfully, neither Foschini nor her passengers sustained any injuries in the collision.
Initial reports from law enforcement indicate that speed or alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors in the incident. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with responding officers, who began a thorough on-site investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
The investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision remains ongoing. The Egg Harbor Township Police Department (EHTPD) is leading the inquiry with investigative support from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office (ACPO).
Authorities are reviewing available evidence, including witness statements, scene analysis, and any available traffic or surveillance footage that may help reconstruct the events leading to the fatal impact. Investigators have emphasized that while preliminary findings do not indicate reckless behavior, every aspect of the collision will be thoroughly examined to ensure clarity and accountability.
Police are also urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information related to the incident to come forward. Such details could prove vital in piecing together a full understanding of the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
News of the young cyclist’s death has sent shockwaves throughout Egg Harbor Township and the broader Atlantic County community. Friends, neighbors, classmates, and residents have come together in shared grief, offering condolences, prayers, and support to the family of the victim.
Local community leaders, school officials, and youth organizations have expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a vibrant young life. Vigils and memorial gatherings are already being organized, providing a space for the community to mourn, remember, and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.
“He was a bright, kind-hearted young man with his whole future ahead of him,” one neighbor said. “Our hearts are shattered for his family. This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Reflection on Road Safety and Community Awareness
This heartbreaking incident has also sparked renewed discussions within the community about roadway and bike path safety. While Maryland Avenue and the adjoining bike path are popular spots for cyclists and pedestrians alike, this tragedy has underscored the inherent risks present when motor vehicles and cyclists share roadways.
Local advocates are calling for increased attention to traffic safety, particularly near areas frequented by young cyclists. Suggestions range from better signage and traffic calming measures to increased public awareness campaigns focusing on the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
Community members hope that this tragedy will prompt meaningful action to help prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for both motorists and cyclists to exercise caution and remain vigilant on shared roadways.
Remembering a Life Lost Too Soon
The 14-year-old cyclist is remembered as a beloved member of the community — a son, a student, a friend. His passing is not only a personal tragedy for his family but a collective loss for all who knew him and those who mourn a promising life cut short.
As the investigation continues and the community grapples with this profound loss, many are coming together to support the family emotionally and financially, with discussions of memorial funds or scholarships being set up in his honor.
His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his tragic death stands as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community care and vigilance.
Conclusion: Mourning, Support, and a Call for Caution
The fatal collision at Maryland Avenue and the bike path has left Egg Harbor Township in mourning, underscoring the devastating impact of a single moment on an entire community. While law enforcement continues its thorough investigation, the hope is that answers — and perhaps, some measure of closure — will come in time.
In the meantime, the community remains united in grief, support, and reflection, vowing to honor the memory of a young life gone too soon by fostering a greater sense of safety, compassion, and responsibility on the roads and in their hearts.
Anyone with information related to the collision is urged to contact the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.