By Crash News Writer 
Mantua Township, NJ (July 24, 2026) – A 41-year-old woman, identified as Holly Hageman, died after a vehicle crashed into a tree on Route 55 in Mantua Township following an attempted traffic stop. A 5-year-old child who was inside the vehicle was injured in the crash and survived.
According to the New Jersey State Police, Mantua Township police stopped the vehicle for a traffic offense at approximately 11:57 p.m. Sunday near mile marker 50 on southbound Route 55. Gloucester County prosecutors said Hageman had been riding in the backseat while the original driver was outside the vehicle with an officer. After being directed to exit, Hageman reportedly moved into the driver’s position and drove away.
Police were initially unable to locate the vehicle. New Jersey State Police later notified Mantua Township police that the car had crashed into a tree approximately three miles from the location of the traffic stop.
Hageman died as a result of the crash. The 5-year-old child sustained injuries that prosecutors said did not appear to be life-threatening. The child’s identity and relationship to the other occupants were not released. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal crashes can lead to complicated questions involving insurance coverage, investigative findings, medical expenses, and the legal rights of surviving family members. Acting promptly can be important because physical evidence may be lost, surveillance footage can be overwritten, and witness memories can become less reliable over time. Families affected by a serious collision can learn more about car accident laws in New Jersey while considering the legal options that may apply to their circumstances.
An attorney can assist with obtaining police records, reviewing insurance policies, preserving evidence, and evaluating whether legal claims may be available. A car accident report can provide important preliminary facts, but additional records and investigative findings may also be necessary to understand what occurred.
People searching for a car accident near me or information about a car accident near Mantua Township may encounter incomplete early reports. Because investigations can develop over time, speaking with an attorney can help families understand new information as it becomes available.
Anyone researching a car accident near me, a car accident near Mantua Township, or trying to obtain a car accident report should consider applicable legal deadlines. Prompt legal guidance may help preserve evidence and protect the ability to pursue an appropriate claim.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information presented in this article is based on preliminary reports attributed to law enforcement and Gloucester County prosecutors. Facts may be updated, clarified, or corrected as investigators continue reviewing the incident. Readers seeking general guidance following a collision can review frequently asked questions in New Jersey.
Some information about those involved has not been publicly released. The identity of the 5-year-old child, the child’s relationship to the vehicle occupants, the identity of the original driver, and the specific reason for the initial traffic stop were not disclosed in the available report.
Additional investigative findings may be released by authorities as the case progresses. Information concerning victim assistance and other forms of support can also be found through accident resources in New Jersey.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as the investigation progresses. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
Families affected by a fatal collision should consider contacting a New Jersey personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their legal rights, important deadlines, and available options.