Camden County, NJ — A 65-year-old Pine Hill woman is facing charges after a weekend crash that left a Lindenwold woman dead while riding her e-bike, according to Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay.
Deborah Carey has been charged with second-degree reckless death by auto in connection with the death of 46-year-old Erica Beeks. Carey also received several traffic citations, including one for driving under the influence, following the Saturday night collision.
The Crash
Lindenwold Police were called to the 1900 block of Laurel Road just after 10:20 p.m. Saturday. At the scene, officers found a white 2022 Nissan Rogue that had come to rest on a residential lawn, along with a downed utility pole. Beeks was found in a nearby driveway next to her damaged e-bike, suffering from a head injury. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Damage to the SUV was consistent with striking both the e-bike and the utility pole, according to an affidavit filed by investigators.
Witness Account
Beeks’ boyfriend, who was riding his own e-bike roughly 10 to 20 feet behind her at the time, told police the pair were riding southbound along the shoulder of Laurel Road when the Nissan swerved into their lane from the left, striking Beeks’ bike before hitting the pole.
Signs of Impairment
Responding officers reported smelling alcohol on Carey’s breath and noted she had slurred speech, appeared disoriented, and struggled to keep her balance and her footwear on, per the affidavit. A blood sample was collected from Carey following the crash, with lab results still pending as of this report.
Carey remains in custody at the Camden County jail awaiting a detention hearing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
- Det. Samuel Funches III, Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Response Investigation Team — 856-225-8083
- Det. Ryan Brennan, Lindenwold Police Department — 856-784-7566
Reporting based on information from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement affidavit.