Lakewood Teen Angeles Nieto Gonzales Dies After School Bus Crash

A 19-year-old recent high school graduate has died after being struck by a school bus while riding her scooter at a busy Lakewood intersection, family members and police confirmed.

The victim, Angeles “Angie” Nieto Gonzales, was riding along West County Line Road near Hope Chapel Road when the crash occurred. She suffered a severe head injury and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Authorities said the bus driver was traveling from Lakewood at the time and has been cleared of any charges. Nieto Gonzales was not wearing a helmet.

Neighbors described the scene as chaotic, with police lights flashing and crowds gathering on the narrow road lacking sidewalks. Betty Salvatore, who witnessed the aftermath, said, “It’s a dangerous area. There are a lot of accidents there. I saw the police car and then the school bus, and I knew something terrible had happened.” Lifelong resident Nissim Berdugo called the intersection “busy,” noting that crashes happen at least once a week due to heavy traffic from scooters, e-bikes, and vehicles.

The Lakewood community has shared an outpouring of grief online, with social media tributes using hashtags like “Justice for Angie.” A GoFundMe organized to support the family’s funeral expenses and other needs had raised over $10,000 by Sunday.

In a heartfelt tribute, her mother said, “Angie was my eldest daughter… my first love, my greatest pride. I loved her with all my heart and I will miss her in a way that words cannot describe. Her absence will be felt forever, and her memory will live on in everyone who had the joy of knowing her.”

Police have said they will release additional details as the investigation continues.