Detectives are investigating a crash that killed a Mays Landing man Friday night in Hammonton, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said.
Taquaysha Bell was heading west on the White Horse Pike just after 11 p.m., when she crossed into the eastbound lane near Moss Mill Road and struck a car driven by Michael Luko Sr., according to the initial investigation.
Luko, 53, was heading home from work as an officer with the state Human Services Police Department.
Luko was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Mainland Campus in Galloway Township, where he was pronounced dead at 12:22 a.m. Saturday.
Bell, 28, of Trenton, was taken to the Galloway hospital, where blood was taken for a toxicology analysis, Tyner said.
Her rear seat passenger, 28-year-old Chanelle Morgan, was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus, where she underwent surgery, Tyner said.
Two male passengers were transported in the ambulances with Bell and Morgan, but were not treated, according to the report.
Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson released a statement on Luko's passing.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of New Jersey State Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko," Johnson said. “The work of the New Jersey State Human Services Police is the epitome of community-based service, as officers work every day to protect some of our most vulnerable residents.
"Officer Luko brought veteran experience and knowledge to this important role, and became a mentor to younger officers," she added of the former Egg Harbor City police officer.
"On behalf of the entire Department of Human Services, I send my deepest condolences to Officer Luko’s family at this difficult time," Johnson continued. "We join in their mourning."
The crash is being investigated by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit and the Hammonton Police Department.
Anyone with information asked to call Absecon Police at 609-641-0667 or the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7692.
