ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A 7-year-old Pleasantville boy has died from injuries suffered when the gas-powered minibike he was riding collided with a car in Atlantic City on Sunday afternoon.
The crash occurred around 5 p.m. Sept. 20 near the intersection of Massachusetts and Melrose avenues, according to the Atlantic City Police Department.
Police said the child was riding a gas-powered minibike when he was involved in a collision with a blue 2012 Nissan Altima.
The boy was initially transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, where he died from his injuries.
The driver of the Nissan remained at the scene, and both vehicles were towed for further investigation.
The Atlantic City Police Department and Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Family Identifies Child as Jayden Barger
The child has been identified by family members as Jayden Barger, a Pleasantville second-grader, according to reporting by BreakingAC.
Jayden's mother, Lisa Barger, shared a video of her son riding his minibike in a Facebook post Monday evening and expressed her grief over his death.
She also questioned the circumstances surrounding the collision, alleging that the driver had been traveling at an excessive speed.
Barger said she visited the crash location and spoke with someone who told her the vehicle was traveling more than 50 mph.
She maintained that her son had stopped and looked both ways before entering the roadway.
Those allegations have not been independently verified, and police have not publicly established the vehicle's speed or determined who was responsible for the collision.
Authorities have not announced any charges against the driver.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Police have not released additional details about the minibike's direction of travel, the Nissan's speed or whether either vehicle had the right of way.
The driver remained at the crash scene, according to authorities.
Both vehicles were removed for further examination as part of the investigation.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is assisting Atlantic City police.
No additional findings about the cause of the crash have been publicly announced.
Jayden's death has left his family mourning the loss of a young boy whose life was cut short.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
