The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and the Mantua Township Police Department are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred after a passenger fled a traffic stop on Route 55 in Mantua Township.
At approximately 11:57 p.m. on July 19, 2026, officers with the Mantua Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop for a traffic offense on southbound Route 55 near mile marker 50. While one officer was standing with the driver outside of the vehicle, a backseat passenger, identified as Holly Hageman, 41, was ordered to exit the vehicle by another officer. Instead, Hageman climbed into the driver’s seat and drove away at a high rate of speed. Also present in the vehicle at the time was a 5-year-old child.
Attempts by the officers to locate Hageman were unsuccessful. The original driver was transported to the Mantua Township Police Department. While still at the police department, the officers and driver were notified by the New Jersey State Police that Hageman had crashed the car into a tree and sustained fatal injuries. The child’s injuries from the crash do not appear to be life threatening. The crash occurred approximately three miles from the location of the initial motor vehicle stop.
The County of Gloucester complies with all state and federal rules and regulations against discrimination in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, and activities. In addition, County encourages participation of people with disabilities in its programs and activities and offers special services to all residents 60 years of age and older. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the County’s ADA Coordinator at (856) 384-6842/ New Jersey Relay Service 711.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be provided at this time.