Tragedy Unfolds: Drunken Driver Clocked at Over 90 MPH in Fatal Airborne Crash, Authorities Allege

A devastating vehicle crash in Stafford Township, which claimed the life of one man, has been attributed to a driver allegedly intoxicated and speeding at over 90 miles per hour. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Stafford Township police have unveiled harrowing details surrounding the fatal incident that occurred on April 15.

Zachary G.

Barreto, 24, of Waretown, now faces a serious charge of vehicular homicide in connection with the crash that killed 38-year-old Michael L. Lani of Little Egg Harbor. The collision, which took place near the intersection of Route 72 and Marsha Drive, saw Barreto's 2017 Chevrolet Camaro careen into the path of Lani's 2005 Ford pickup truck.

According to the detailed investigation, Barreto was driving westbound on Route 72 when he lost control of his vehicle.

Traveling at an excessive speed of over 90 mph and with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) significantly above the legal limit, his Camaro veered off the roadway, became airborne, and then violently collided with Lani’s truck, which was waiting to turn left onto Marsha Drive. The sheer force of the impact propelled Lani's truck into a utility pole and a guardrail.

First responders arrived at a chaotic scene.

Lani was tragically pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe injuries he sustained. Barreto, also injured in the crash, was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center for treatment. Further investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit and the Stafford Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit confirmed the egregious circumstances leading to the fatality.

Following his release from the hospital, Barreto was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing.

The charges underscore the severe consequences of impaired and reckless driving, as the community grapples with the loss of a life due to such preventable actions. Authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of operating a vehicle under the influence and at excessive speeds, urging all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads.