A Manahawkin man jailed in a crash that injured two teen now faces aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges after one of the girls died.
Gianna Palmieri would have turned 17 on Saturday. Instead, a celebration of her life is planned after the Pineland Regional High School student died Tuesday from injuries sustained Jan. 30, in a head-on crash in Little Egg Harbor Township.
Michael Pillarella, 26, was driving 74 mph when he failed to negotiate a curve heading north on Radio Road crossed into the southbound lane, striking a vehicle with the two girls inside, according to the investigation.
Palmieri was a passenger in the other car driven by Kaitlyn Edwards. Both teens were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where Palmieri died 10 days later. Edwards remains in critical condition.
The two girls who worked together at the Tuckerton Acme were heading out for frozen yogurt when the crash happened.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of both of these young women."
He noted that Edwards' birthday was last weekend.
"This is such an unspeakable tragedy,” Billhimer added.
Pillarella was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's Trauma Unit after the crash. Results of a blood test are pending, but he has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pillarella has been in the Ocean County jail since Feb. 1.
In addition to the upgraded charges, he also faces aggravated assault and assault by auto charges for the injuries to Edwards.
GoFundMe pages have been set up to help with the expenses for both families.
