Justice Served: Driver in Deadly 112 MPH DWI Crash Receives Prison Sentence

A somber chapter closed in Salem County as Steven Hieber, the man responsible for a devastating 2022 DWI crash that claimed the life of 66-year-old Margaret Ann “Midge” Carroll, was sentenced to a significant prison term. The court’s decision underscores the severe and irreversible consequences of impaired driving, offering a measure of justice to a grieving family and community.

The tragic incident unfolded on February 26, 2022, in Upper Pittsgrove Township.

Authorities revealed that Hieber, then 29 years old, was driving a 2017 Ram pickup truck at a staggering 112 miles per hour on County Route 602 when he veered into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with Carroll's Nissan Rogue. The force of the impact was catastrophic, instantly killing Ms. Carroll, a beloved figure known for her warmth and community involvement.

Subsequent investigations confirmed that Hieber was driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

His reckless actions not only defied traffic laws but also demonstrated a callous disregard for human life, transforming a routine Saturday into a nightmare for the Carroll family and shockwaves across the region.

Midge Carroll was more than just a statistic; she was a vibrant soul, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Her obituary remembered her as a devoted family woman, an avid gardener, and a kind spirit who touched many lives. Her untimely death left an irreplaceable void, a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the fragility of existence when confronted by such negligence.

During the emotional court proceedings, Carroll's family members delivered powerful victim impact statements, articulating their profound loss and the enduring pain inflicted by Hieber’s actions.

Their words painted a vivid picture of the vibrant life that was cruelly cut short and the daily struggle to cope with an absence that will never be filled. They spoke of the joy Midge brought and the future moments stolen from them forever.

Steven Hieber had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, acknowledging his culpability in the fatal crash.

His sentencing brought the legal proceedings to a close, with the judge imposing a prison term designed to reflect the gravity of his crime and serve as a deterrent against similar acts of impaired and reckless driving. While no sentence can ever truly restore what was lost, it aims to provide accountability and a sense of resolution for the victims.

This case stands as a grim reminder of the critical importance of responsible driving and the devastating ripple effects that arise from choices made under the influence.

Law enforcement and judicial authorities continue their relentless efforts to combat impaired driving, hoping to prevent such senseless tragedies from ever recurring and to ensure that justice, however painful, is always served.