Edison, New Jersey (October 22, 2025) — A 60-year-old truck driver from New Orleans was struck and killed Wednesday afternoon while standing on the shoulder of the New Jersey Turnpike in Middlesex County, according to state police.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred around 2:42 p.m. in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near Edison. Authorities said Shawn Mornay was standing on the right shoulder beside his Freightliner tractor flatbed trailer when another Freightliner truck, driven by a 37-year-old man from Blackwood, veered toward the shoulder and struck both Mornay and the left side of his parked vehicle. Emergency responders pronounced Mornay dead at the scene. The other driver was not reported injured. Traffic was delayed for several hours as troopers investigated and cleared the area.
Investigation: The New Jersey State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. Troopers will review whether the second truck driver was distracted, fatigued, or driving too close to the shoulder during the impact. Investigators may also analyze dashcam footage, vehicle telematics, and roadway evidence such as tire marks to determine how the collision occurred. Because the victim was standing outside his vehicle, the investigation will focus on why the approaching truck left its lane and whether the driver failed to maintain control or observe proper clearance.
Safety experts note that standing along the shoulder of a high-speed roadway is extremely dangerous, even for professional drivers. Federal trucking regulations require operators to activate hazard signals and take specific precautions when stopped on the shoulder, including placing reflective warning devices. These and other factors will be reviewed as part of the official report.
Legal Considerations: When a truck driver is killed in the course of work, multiple avenues of legal recovery may exist. The family of Shawn Mornay may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim if negligence by the second driver is established. They may also have rights under workers’ compensation or employer-provided insurance, depending on his employment status.
Because both vehicles were commercial trucks, liability could extend beyond the individual drivers to their respective trucking companies. Investigators will examine whether the second driver violated safety regulations, such as hours-of-service limits or distracted driving prohibitions. If the company failed to train, supervise, or schedule drivers properly, it may also share responsibility. In some cases, a truck accident claim can help families pursue damages for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one in a preventable crash.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Shawn Mornay as they mourn his tragic loss.
Source: Daily Voice – Paramus