Monmouth University Student Dead After Being Hit By Car on Joline Avenue

By Christopher Sheldon

A Monmouth University student is is dead after she was pinned between two cars following an earlier motor vehicle accident in the shoulder lane near the corner of Joline Avenue and Fifth Avenue in Long Branch on Wednesday night.

Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Public Information Officer Charles Webster said there was a two car accident at the intersection and that the two drivers involved were standing between their cars when a third driver hit the back of the Monmouth University student's vehicle, causing her to be fatally pinned between her car and the car of the man she had the earlier accident with.

Webster said the victim, Victoria Anne Tropper, 21, of Marlboro was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:26 p.m. on Sept. 11.

The other driver who had pulled over to the side of the road, Thomas Trianon, 49, of Cherry Hill, was taken to the hospital, but suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Webster said.

The third driver, who hit the back of Tropper's car, was identified as Joseph Stovall, 46, of Long Branch.

Webster said Stovall is not facing any charges at this time.

Monmouth University President Paul Brown issued a statement following Tropper's death.

“It is with great sadness that the Monmouth University family mourns the passing of Victoria Anne Tropper, a member of our community," Brown said. "The loss of such a young person is truly tragic. We extend our deepest sympathies to Victoria’s family and friends."

Counseling services for students and members of the campus community have been made available through the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services.