Giana Fortson died after her vehicle struck another car and crashed into a tree early Sunday morning; police are seeking witnesses.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 23-year-old Mays Landing woman was killed early Sunday morning when her vehicle collided with another car before leaving Route 40 and striking a tree, according to the Township of Hamilton Police Department.
Police identified the victim as Giana Fortson, 23, of Mays Landing.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:18 a.m. Sunday, November 8, near the intersection of Route 40 and Strand Avenue in Hamilton Township.
According to investigators, Fortson was driving a 2008 Toyota Scion westbound on Route 40 when she lost control of the vehicle and struck the rear of a 2025 Nissan Versa.
The Nissan was being driven by Ashlie Guevara Angel, 20, of Pleasantville.
Following the initial collision, Fortson's vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.
The Nissan also traveled off the roadway, eventually coming to rest in a residential yard on the eastbound side of Route 40.
Fortson suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said she was the only occupant of her vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
No other injuries were reported.
Route 40 Closed for Approximately Four Hours
The crash prompted a significant emergency response and forced authorities to close Route 40 for approximately four hours while investigators examined the scene.
The Township of Hamilton Rescue Squad, AtlantiCare Paramedics, Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and New Jersey Department of Transportation assisted Hamilton Township police.
The roadway was reopened after investigators completed their work at the scene.
Cause of Crash Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not determined what caused Fortson to lose control of her vehicle.
Police have not publicly identified speed, road conditions, distraction or any other specific factor as contributing to the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The fatal collision occurred along a heavily traveled section of Route 40, an important east-west roadway connecting communities throughout Atlantic County.
It is also the second fatal crash reported near Route 40 and Strand Avenue this year.
In February, a 41-year-old Mays Landing man died after his vehicle left the roadway and struck trees near the same intersection.
Authorities have not indicated that the two crashes are connected.
Police Seeking Witnesses
Hamilton Township police are asking anyone who witnessed Sunday's crash or has information that could assist investigators to contact Sgt. Jacobi at 609-625-2700, extension 541.
Additional information about the circumstances surrounding the collision has not yet been released.
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Peter Killeen
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