A Lakewood man was killed in a motorcycle accident in Manchester today, authorities say.

At approximately 3:40 pm, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to the area of Pasadena Road near the intersection of Mount Misery Road in the Whiting section of the Township to investigate the report of a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle with an unconscious driver with no pulse.  

Upon arrival, officers observed a 2012 Yamaha FZ8 motorcycle near the wood-line on the grass portion adjacent to the roadway with heavy damage to the entire vehicle.  

Witnesses and good Samaritans who were already on scene had begun CPR. Officers and Manchester Emergency Medical Services personnel began life saving measures on the motorcyclist who had sustained extensive life threatening injuries.

The investigation revealed that the Yamaha was travelling eastbound on Pasadena Road at a high rate of speed when the rider lost control of the vehicle, was ejected, and struck multiple trees before coming to final rest.  The sole occupant of the Yamaha, identified as 28 year old Roland Samu of Lakewood, was determined to be wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of the crash. He was transported via ambulance to Community Medical Center where he was ultimately pronounced deceased.

The roadway was closed in the area of the crash during the investigation. Assisting at the scene were members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Emergency Medical Services, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics, and Accurate Towing Service.  The investigation into this crash is still ongoing, however, speed and driver error appear to be contributing factors. The crash is being investigated by Patrolman Jesse Hoydis and Patrolman Jose Diaz of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

“With the warm weather upon us and the increase in motorcycles traffic on the roadways, both riders and motorists are reminded to be aware of the presence of motorcycles,” police said. “Please obey all traffic laws and arrive alive.”