A quiet stretch of road in South Brunswick turned deadly Wednesday evening when a routine drive ended in a violent rollover that claimed the life of 21-year-old Matthew Slaski. The young man from Branchburg was behind the wheel of an Audi SUV when the crash unfolded just after 7:00 p.m., leaving a community shaken and a family grieving.
Police say the collision happened at the busy intersection where the Route 1 South off-ramp meets New Road. Early findings point to a 2017 Toyota Camry attempting a left turn from the off-ramp, crossing into the path of oncoming traffic. In that moment, the Camry struck the passenger side of Slaski’s 2025 Audi Q5, setting off a chain of events that would quickly spiral out of control.
The impact was forceful. The Audi lost stability almost instantly, flipping over as it veered off course. Slaski was thrown from the vehicle during the rollover, a detail that underscores just how severe the crash was. First responders arrived within minutes, but the injuries he suffered were already critical.
Emergency crews rushed him to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where doctors worked to save his life. Despite those efforts, Slaski later died from his injuries, leaving behind a life that had barely begun. The loss hit especially hard given his age, a reminder of how quickly everything can change on the road.
The driver of the Toyota Camry survived with only minor injuries, according to authorities. While physically less harmed, the emotional weight of such a crash often lingers far beyond the scene. Police have not indicated any charges at this time as the investigation continues.
Back at the crash site, members of the Kendall Park Fire Department and other emergency teams worked for hours under fading daylight. New Road remained shut down for nearly five hours as investigators carefully examined the wreckage and crews cleared debris from the roadway.
Authorities are still piecing together exactly what led to the collision. They are urging anyone who may have seen the crash or has relevant information to come forward. For now, the focus remains on understanding what happened and ensuring accountability where needed.
