A 2014 Clearview Regional High School graduate was killed early Friday in a one-vehicle accident on Route 55.
DEPTFORD TWP. -- A Sewell man was killed early Friday in a one-vehicle accident on Route 55, according to state police.
John P. Dempsey (Smith Funeral Home) John P. Dempsey, 19, was traveling northbound shortly before 6 a.m. when he lost control of his Chevy pickup, according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams.
The truck left the roadway and struck a tree at mile marker 56.8, Williams said.
Dempsey was unresponsive when police and EMTs arrived on the scene. He was transported to Cooper University Hospital, Camden, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police do not yet know why Dempsey lost control of his truck, Williams said. The crash remains under investigation.
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Dempsey, a 2014 Clearview Regional High School graduate, was working in an apprenticeship for Steamfitters Local 420 in Philadelphia, according to his obituary. He was currently working for Five Star Mechanical in Philadelphia.
Many of his former Clearview classmates took to social media to express their shock at Dempsey's death and to send condolences to his family. Several described him as a good friend and a happy, caring individual.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main St., Mantua. Viewings will be held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
RIP John Dempsey: friend, teammate, and bro 2 all who knew him. He was liked by many, a Clearview Pioneer we can all be proud of #RIPJohn
-- Alex A Yiantsos (@ayiantsos12) September 11, 2015
You'll always be my brother #RIPJohn pic.twitter.com/p7sgazTZeh
-- Zach Jones (@zach_jones_19) September 11, 2015
Really got to know john well throughout these last couple years. Glad to call you a friend #ripjohn
-- Brian Zayicek (@BZayicek) September 11, 2015
#ripjohn you were such a great person who's life was cut way too short[?] [?] [?] [?]
-- sarah (@sarahmcfaddenxo) September 11, 2015
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
