Route 1 accident claims life of paper deliverer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - A Pemberton man was killed early in the morning Nov. 21 when his Trenton Times delivery truck was rear-ended by a 1995 tractor-trailer on Route 1 south just prior to Raymond Road, according to police.

Elbridge Holliman Jr., 61, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:24 a.m.

The tractor-trailer was driven by William Pattie, 47, of Alden, Pa. The traffic light was green at the time of the accident, according to police. Pattie smashed into the back of Holliman's truck, which then swerved off the roadway and wrapped around a utility pole.

"Apparently, he became distracted while driving," Detective James Ryan said. "He dropped something in the truck and was looking for it."

The roadways were extensively affected because of the accident, according to Ryan. There was a three-mile backup southbound and a one-mile backup northbound.

Pattie will be charged with at least a motor vehicle summons. The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office is still looking into the matter.