Driver In Fatal Restaurant Crash At Jersey Shore Won't Face Criminal Charges: Police

LAVALLETTE, NJ — The driver who lost control of her SUV and drove into a Lavallette restaurant, killing a Toms River woman, will not face criminal charges in the crash, authorities said Wednesday.

The 93-year-old Lavallette woman received a summons for careless driving, Lavallette Police Chief Christian LaCicero said. The police department also has requested the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission retest her driving skills, he said.

The woman hit the accelerator instead of the brake while parking at Meg's Grill on Saturday morning, Lavallette police said. The SUV accelerated quickly into the outdoor dining area and into the building.

Ursula "Sandie" Keating, 56, of Toms River, was killed, and seven patrons of the restaurant were injured, LaCicero said. None of the restaurant's staff were injured, the owner of Meg's Grill said Saturday.

Keating's death sparked an outpouring of support for her family, particularly from the first responder community, because her husband, John Keating Jr., is chief of the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company and also works for the Manchester Township Emergency Medical Services.

Sandie and John Keating's son is a firefighter with the Silverton company and Sandie's father was a firefighter in Garfield.

Read more: Fire Chief's Wife ID'd As Victim In Fatal Crash At Jersey Shore Restaurant

Funeral services have been set for Friday at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, according to Sandie Keating's obituary. Visitation begins at 3 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service to conclude the services at the funeral home, 2482 Church Road, Toms River.

State Sen. Jim Holzapfel of the 10th District said he plans to introduce legislation that would require restaurants to install guards to protect customers from potential crashes, similar to the bollards outside convenience stores and the like.

“Outdoor dining is a great part of what makes our shore communities special, but we have to make sure it’s safe,” Holzapfel said. “If a restaurant wants to offer dining directly next to an active roadway, there should be a basic safety requirement for protective bollards or other approved barriers between diners and traffic so a simple meal out doesn’t suddenly turn to tragedy.”