A tragic hit-and-run crash near Brick Memorial High School has left the Brick Township community in mourning following the death of student Jackson Mueller, whose passing has deeply shaken classmates, educators, and local residents.

According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the incident occurred early Tuesday morning at approximately 6:50 a.m. at the intersection of Lanes Mill Road and Rhode Island Avenue in Brick Township, New Jersey. The collision took place just before the start of the school day, during a time when students and commuters were actively traveling through the area.

Officials with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Mueller was riding a bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the crash. Emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter, but despite efforts at the scene, he was pronounced deceased due to the severity of his injuries.

Authorities have since confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a fatal hit-and-run. A juvenile driver has been taken into custody in connection with the collision as investigators continue to determine the full sequence of events. Law enforcement officials have not yet released additional details regarding potential charges, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The loss has sent shockwaves through the local education community, particularly at Brick Memorial High School, where Mueller was a student. The Brick Township School District issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over his death, describing it as a devastating loss that has affected students, faculty, and staff across the district.

In response to the tragedy, school officials announced the availability of grief counseling services and additional mental health support for students and employees. Administrators emphasized the importance of community support during this difficult time, as classmates and teachers process the sudden loss of a young life within their school community.

As news of the incident spread, residents across Brick Township expressed condolences and shared memories and messages of support for the student’s family. The crash has prompted renewed attention to roadway safety, particularly in areas surrounding schools where bicycle and pedestrian traffic is common during morning hours.

Investigators continue to examine physical evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage from the surrounding area in an effort to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. Authorities have stated that additional updates will be released as they become available and as procedural steps in the investigation are completed.

For now, the community remains focused on mourning a student whose life ended far too soon, while seeking answers and holding space for those most affected by the tragedy.