Four young men were killed early Sunday morning in a head-on collision on the New Jersey Turnpike in Salem County, allegedly caused by a driver traveling the wrong way.
According to the New Jersey State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. on October 19, 2025, near milepost 1.3 in Carneys Point Township. Investigators determined that a white 2021 Dodge Ram pickup truck, driven by 41-year-old Christopher Neff of Colorado, was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes when it struck a black Mazda CX-5 carrying four young men.
After the initial impact, the SUV was struck by a tractor-trailer. Three 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old inside the Mazda were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released.
Neff sustained injuries and remains hospitalized. Authorities said he is facing four counts each of vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter. In addition to the fatal crash charges, Neff was also charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of hollow point ammunition.
State Police have asked anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the Dodge Ram traveling in the wrong direction to contact the Troop D Moorestown Station detective bureau at 609-860-9000 ext. 3226. Anonymous tips are welcome.
The New Jersey Turnpike southbound lanes in the area were closed for several hours Sunday as troopers and investigators processed the scene.
