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

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The first responder community is rallying support for the family of Silverton Volunteer Fire Chief John Keating Jr., whose wife, Ursula, was killed Saturday in Lavallette.

Ursula Keating, 56, of Toms River, died after she was hit by an SUVdriven by a 93-year-old Lavallette woman who 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, police said. At least seven people were injured, police said.

Ursula Keating was identified by multiple first responder agencies and on a Give In Kind campaign set up to support Keating and the couple's two children.

"The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention extends our deepest condolences to Chief Keating, his family, and the members of Silverton Fire Company Station 29 following yesterday’s tragic incident at Meg’s Grill," the bureau wrote on its Facebook page. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Keating’s loved ones, his fellow firefighters, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event. In times like these, we are reminded of the strength of our community and the bond shared by those who serve and protect it. We encourage the Toms River community to come together and support Chief Keating, his family, and the members of Station 29 as they navigate this difficult time. Whether through a kind word, a prayer, or simply standing beside our neighbors, every gesture of support matters."

"From our fire service family to yours, we stand together with Chief Keating, Station 29, and the entire Toms River community," the bureau wrote.

"John Keating and his family have dedicated their lives to assisting others," wrote Robert Baran, head of Manchester Township Emergency Services, where John Keating works. "John has dedicated his life as a Police Officer, Volunteer Fire Chief, EMT, and Career Firefighter has answered the call for more than can be counted. Please help us in this difficult time for his family. Any donation is greatly appreciated."

Multiple messages from other fire companies in Toms River; in Manchester; in Garfield, where John Keating was a police officer for many years, and other agencies and communities offered condolences and support.

Everett Garnto, mayor of Garfield, offered condolences on the part of his city, where Ursula's father also had been a fire chief.

"Our hearts are heavy over the tragic loss of Ursula Keating, a beloved mother, wife, and friend, and the cherished wife of retired Garfield Police Lieutenant John Keating. Her life was tragically cut short in the horrific incident in Lavallette, leaving her family and all who loved her facing unimaginable heartbreak," Garnto wrote. "There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a wife, a mother, and a dear friend so suddenly. Behind this tragedy is a family whose lives have been forever changed, children grieving their mother and a husband mourning the woman with whom he shared his life. I ask our Garfield community to keep her husband, their children, and their entire family in your thoughts and prayers."

"The officers and members of Garfield Fire Company #3 mourn the loss of Ursula Keating, wife of Ex-Chief John Keating and daughter of the late Ex-Chief John Adametz," that fire company wrote. "Words cannot truly express the shock and sadness we all feel. May she rest now with her mother and father and watch over all of us."

"She was someone who made you feel welcomed and cared about, and those are the kinds of people you never truly forget," family friend Jonathan Potoczak wrote in a public post on Facebook, where he described her as "warm, affectionate and helpful." "I’m grateful for the memories and for the kindness she showed me during my time with Garfield Fire department years. My thoughts and prayers are with Chief Keating, the family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ursula. You will be remembered and missed."

"We stand in support of Chief Keating, his family, and our brothers and sisters of the Silverton Fire Company," South Toms River EMS wrote. "Please know that you are not alone, and that your extended emergency services family is here to offer strength, comfort, and assistance in the days ahead."

"The Board of Fire Commissioners, Chiefs, Officers and members of the Toms River Fire District #2 are devastated by the loss of Chief John Keating’s beloved wife Ursula," the fire district wrote in a Facebook post. "The Keating family is in all our prayers and we stand beside them forever to help ease the pain. May her soul and the souls of all our departed Rest in Peace. Please keep the Chief, his family and the members of the Silverton and Garfield Fire Departments in your prayers."

"Ursula was a tremendous member of our community and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her," wrote Toms River Boy Scout Troop 59. "We extend our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support to Chief Keating, his family, and our entire Silverton Volunteer Fire Company family during this incredibly difficult time."

The Silverton Volunteer Fire Company acknowledged the outpouring of support on Sunday afternoon, thanking the community.

"We truly appreciate all of the calls, messages, and support from our fire service family and community," the message said. "We ask that everyone please continue to keep Chief Keating and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time…"

Lavallette Police Chief Christian LaCicero said the crash remains under investigation.

"Seven patrons of the restaurant were injured and transported to the hospital with a variety of injuries," police said.

None of the restaurant's staff members were injured, according to the owner of Meg's Grill. The restaurant was closed Sunday and Monday out of respect for the family of Ursula Keating and those injured, the owner wrote on Facebook.

"Our building is fine and was undamaged. But I can’t say the same for our hearts," the owner wrote. "All of our thoughts and prayers are with the people who were hurt. We are closing tomorrow and Monday out of an observance of compassion for my staff and those affected."

"To Ursula Keating, Your husband John and your two beautiful children. It is with immeasurable sadness we give our condolences to your family," Meg's Grill's owner wrote in a follow-up early Sunday. "I can not imagine the loss you are feeling and my heart and my thoughts are with you all. Your daughter was a true hero on this day. She held your hand and kept you calm. And never left your side. She showed immense bravery and selflessness. I know there are no words that can help you in this time. But there is love for you everywhere. I hope your hearts can heal. Please know that not a moment goes by that we are not thinking of you."