Deserie Cincotti Obituary, Death – Authorities in Hamilton Township are investigating a tragic accident that occurred Wednesday night, which resulted in the death of a pedestrian. According to officials, the incident took place on Route 322 near Custard Castle, an area where there are no designated pedestrian crosswalks.
Police say that around 7:38 p.m., a vehicle traveling westbound struck a woman who was attempting to cross the roadway. The driver was identified as Debbie Rice, 56, of Pittsgrove. The pedestrian, identified as Deserie Cincotti, was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate response efforts from emergency personnel. Authorities have not yet released additional details about Cincotti’s age or hometown.
According to a preliminary investigation, Rice was driving an SUV along Route 322 when the collision occurred. She remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement officers during the investigation. Police confirmed that Rice was not physically injured in the crash.
Following the incident, a section of Route 322 was temporarily closed for several hours as investigators examined the area, collected evidence, and worked to reconstruct the sequence of events. The Hamilton Township Police Department led the investigation, assisted by the Hamilton Township Rescue Squad, Mays Landing Fire Department, and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit.
Authorities are continuing to investigate what may have led to the accident. Factors such as lighting conditions, visibility, speed, and pedestrian movement are being reviewed as part of the comprehensive analysis. Investigators are also evaluating whether weather conditions or roadway design may have played a role.
The lack of crosswalks in that section of the road has drawn attention from local residents, who say the stretch of Route 322 can be particularly difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. Several community members expressed concern following the incident, noting that improvements such as better lighting, signage, or pedestrian crossings might help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Police have not indicated that any charges are being considered at this time, emphasizing that the investigation remains active. Authorities are working to gather more information from witnesses and are reviewing any potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
Emergency responders at the scene acted swiftly, securing the area and ensuring that medical assistance was provided as quickly as possible. Traffic was redirected for several hours to allow investigators to document the scene and clear the roadway safely. The road was reopened later in the evening once authorities concluded their on-site investigation.
The Hamilton Township Police Department has encouraged anyone with additional information about the crash to contact them at 609-625-2700. Investigators believe that even small details from witnesses could help them understand how the events unfolded.
As the community processes the news, residents have expressed sympathy for both families affected — those mourning the loss of Deserie Cincotti and the driver involved, who is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have also taken this opportunity to remind both drivers and pedestrians of the importance of caution, especially during evening hours when visibility can be limited. They encourage pedestrians to cross only at marked areas when possible and urge drivers to remain alert and attentive at all times, particularly on roads that may not have designated crossings.
The Hamilton Township Police Department extended condolences to the family and friends of Deserie Cincotti, acknowledging the sorrow that this tragic event has caused. As investigators continue their work, officials reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering all facts related to the incident and to promoting roadway safety throughout the community.
The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided once new information becomes available. For now, authorities continue to examine every aspect of the case while the community reflects on the importance of safety and awareness on local roads.
