Crash results in fatality

SPARTA — A single-car crash the morning of Dec. 7 has claimed the life of a local young man and remains under investigation. At 9:07 a.m., 24-year-old Hardyston resident Brian R. Mezejeski was driving north on Route 94 approximately 300 yards north of the West Mountain Road intersection when, for reasons unknown at this time, he crossed the double yellow lines, into the southbound lane of travel. The vehicle left the traveled portion of the roadway, where it struck a utility pole snapping it in half and then collided with several trees before coming to a rest. Responding officers found Mezejeski, unconscious and trapped in his vehicle. Citizens from neighboring homes had run to the scene and were attempting to assist Mezejeski. Utilizing the Jaws of Life, the Sparta Fire Department extricated him from the wreck and he was transported by the Sparta First Aid Squad along with Paramedics from St. Clare’s Sussex to the Morristown Medical Center. Mezejeski, who suffered severe head trauma, was pronounced dead at 10:34 a.m. The investigation is being conducted by Accident Reconstructionists Lt. Mark Rozek, Officer Brian Hassloch and Det. Terrence Mulligan. Sgt. Jeffrey Mase and Officer David Pridham assisted at the scene.