A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an early-morning accident in Toms River, police say.
At approximately 12:46 AM, multiple Toms River Police Units, Ocean County Prosecutors Office Investigator Brad Frank, and the Ocean County Sheriff Criminal Investigation Unit responded to a motorcycle accident on Route 37 at the Tunney Bridge. Preliminary reports from witnesses allege multiple motorcycles drag racing on the bridge before Ronald Vanarsdale, 36-year-old of Serene Way Toms River, was ejected from his motorcycle. Mr. Vanarsdale‘s body was located 326’ from point of ejection, and his motorcycle was located 762’ from point of ejection. His right forearm and hand were severed just under the bicep. Sgt. Ed Mooney from the Toms River Police Department was able to quickly apply a tourniquet to immediately stop the bleeding and was praised by Jersey Shore Medical Center.
Mr. Vanarsdale was flown by MONOC helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune where he underwent emergency surgery. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit and is listed in stable condition.
“Impairment is unknown and currently being investigated through hospital records,” police said. “There were no other injuries. The New Jersey State Police Marine Division, Sgt. Pearce, was notified about the missing limb.”
“If anyone was witness to this accident, or find the missing forearm and hand, please contact investigating Traffic Safety Officer Mark Nater at 732-349-0150 x 1336 or by email at [email protected]”
Charges are pending.
Oh, man. They couldn’t find the hand ??!! What a tragedy. That is so painful. A guy has a race and loses a limb. Tragic. His whole life is changed. For nothing. Terrible.
Sorry to hear.
May he have a speedy recovery.
Why is the NJSP marine division involved?
I reserve my sympathies for people who are hurt, maimed, and killed through no fault of their own.
As the saying goes, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes”.
There are tracks with emergency services on site where these guys can legally drag race until their hearts’ content, without potentially putting innocent lives in danger. At 36, this guy is old enough to know better.
In case you’re wondering why my post sounds callous and cold, it’s because I lost a friend who was killed by a guy being reckless on a ‘crotch rocket’. She was crossing a street, and just never had a chance.