Ocean County officer killed in motorcycle accident

I generally avoid posting “bleeding edge” news like this, but I felt that these storieswere important reminders for anyone who rides a motorcycle. Even the most experienced riders can get hurt or even killed. Please drive safely.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that an off-duty Ocean County sheriff’s court officer died Saturday night in a one-vehicle accident on Water Street in Toms River, police said. Dan Murphy, 26, of Toms River, who was responsible for security at the Ocean County Courthouse, was traveling east at 10 p.m. when he lost control of his motorcycle while changing lanes, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said.

Also, the Burlington County Times said that Military authorities have released the identity of an Army Reservist who was killed in a motorcycle accident on the base last week. Sgt. First Class Mary Russell, 45, was killed in the April 20 accident involving a motorcycle and a bus, base officials said.