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Driver charged with DWI in fatal Sussex County crash
by Jim Lockwood/The Star-Ledger
Friday July 25, 2008, 12:22 PM
A motorcyclist was killed early this morning in Sussex County when he was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver, police said.
Thomas Klosterhoff, 26, of Branchville, was northbound on his 2006 Buell motorcycle on Route 284 in Wantage at 1:05 a.m. when an oncoming Plymouth Neon crossed the center line and struck him, New Jersey State Police spokesman Gerald Lewis said.
Klosterhoff was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The driver of the car, Lauren Hansen, 22, of Warwick, N.Y., was charged with DWI and reckless driving, Lewis said.
The incident remains under investigation, and the case also has been forwarded to the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office for further review, he said.
Reading these stories always hurts as I've been a rider since the seventies. My condolences to the family and friends.
This is a crying shame. I grew up on bikes and ride on the highway sometimes during the summer. Reading stories like this has become all too common, almost one a day, and it has to stop. The state should make a dedicated biker lane on the highways!!!
YOU HEAR THAT NJ? THAT IS CALLED THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX AND IT COULD SAVE LIVES. OUR GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO WAKE UP AND ADDRESS SOME REAL ISSUES GOING ON.
this is one of my biggest fears and I drive a car! some a-hole young punk, drunk or texting goes into the other lane; she'll get five years and start a new life at age 27 while the poor guy died a horrible death;
helpsavenj
unfortunately, a dedicated bike lane is no help if there is an a**hole driver who is drunk/texting/phoning/eating/putting on mascara or whatever, and crosses lanes to hit a biker.
rolle, you are right. She will only do 2 yrs. of a 5 yr sentence. I know a girl who did the same thing. She was in Annadale Correctional for Women for 2 yrs. She told me it was like going away to a boarding school. Prison is much easier on most women.
I knew Tom personally. Both my husband and I worked with him for many years. He was a young man who had great respect for others and he truely was a one of a kind person. On a side note: he always took great saftey measures with his bike.
My heart goes out to his family and to all out friends who are suffering through this loss.
This is a horrible tragedy. My heart also goes out to this young girl. I only hope that she finds herself the help she needs and oneday takes the time to learn about the life she ended.
For her life is repairable, Tom's is not...
Only DWI and reckless driving?? How does she get away with just that? She KILLED someone!!! Where's the manslaughter charge ...even involuntary manslaughter?
The laws in this state have to change. She took a life so her life should be over. In jail for life. The person who served her the booze should also be charged with second degree manslaughter. And if she was with friends they too should be charged with second degree manslaughter for allowing her to drive. Being a biker my heart goes out to the family and the young man who died doing what he loved riding his machine.
I think the bike lane is a great idea.
To further build on the idea, I think it is safe to say that asking non-bike riding residents to share in the tax expenditure to build such a bike lane would clearly be unfair.
So maybe a special tax assessment to those who have a motorcycle license would be the most appropriate and responsible thing to do.
Ms. Hansen is being wrongfully charged.the guy driving the motorcycle was drunk also.
HelpSaveNJ has a great point, an exclusive bike lane would go a long way in saving lives.
To further build on the idea it would only make sense to have a special tax assessment for all those NJ residents who have a motorcycle license. This way we would not ask non motorcycle riders to have to share in the finances for a resource they have no interest in using.
excell analysis, democatch. Who needs to investigate things like facts or circumstances before deciding to take someone's life anyway? Have you considered moving to Iran or North Korea to find people that think like you? We here consider circumstances and intent....
wrongfully charged! How can that be? Are you saying her drunk driving is/or would be exusable had the other driver been drinking as well?
They should also have a dedicated lane for bicycles/wheelchairs and trolleycars. That's all we need are ear blasting motorcycles doing 100MPG on those dedicated lanes.
I have to somewhat agree with blackmaronj.
Whenever I am cut off, tailgated or behind an inattentive driver it is most often a female, young or old, distracted on a cell phone, applying some sort of makeup, talking to passengers, etc.
I am so tired of hearing about these drunk drivers. Haven't they learned enough from hearing about this every day, either in their lives, someone else's or on the news. When will people learn??? Tom was a genuinely great person. He was taken away because of some dumb girls decision to drive after drinking. I hope that she learns from this and never forgets. I hope she enjoys time in jail as well. My prayers go out to all of those who knew Tom, his family, co-workers, friends.... Rest in Peace, Tom. You are missed...
I am so tired of hearing about these drunk drivers. Haven't they learned enough from hearing about this every day, either in their lives, someone else's or on the news. When will people learn??? Tom was a genuinely great person. He was taken away because of some dumb girls decision to drive after drinking. I hope that she learns from this and never forgets. I hope she enjoys time in jail as well. My prayers go out to all of those who knew Tom, his family, co-workers, friends.... Rest in Peace, Tom. You are missed...
stacey8059, don't take mrmorality's posts seriously. whatever the issue, he is always directly contrary. be glad the idiot isn't related to you.
my heart also goes out to friends & family of the victim. he didn't deserve this. DWI laws must be strengthened to prevent this from continuing to happen. a few months' loss of a license, even a year or so in jail, doesn't seem to be a deterrent anymore. she should be charged with manslaughter.
Stacey8059 - MrMorality always says the samething everytime someone is killed. He tries to put the blame on the victim. He DOES NOT know anything about this unfortunate accident. He has NO MORALS and is very inconsiderate. He did the same thing recently on the Star Ledger website when a high school graduate was shot & killed by another student after her graduation. He/she is an immature individual trying to get attention. Don't buy into it and maybe he'll disappear of the websites.
My thoughts and sympathy go out to the family of this young man. Both of my sons and my husband ride and this is my worst fear.
MrMorality is a complete Moron, he doesn't know any thing and anything that happens, he puts his dumb to sense in cause, he is always on here and doesn't even have a job. A motorcycle lane is just way to far fetched, it is not possible, taxes are to high as it is already, but also take into consideration that more bikes are on the road then ever due to the gas prices, it is a terrible thing for the poor guy riding the bike. It is a shame because the drinking and driving will never ever stop.
MrMorality is a complete Moron, he doesn't know any thing and anything that happens, he puts his dumb to sense in cause, he is always on here and doesn't even have a job. A motorcycle lane is just way to far fetched, it is not possible, taxes are to high as it is already, but also take into consideration that more bikes are on the road then ever due to the gas prices, it is a terrible thing for the poor guy riding the bike. It is a shame because the drinking and driving will never ever stop.
i dont see how people can say he was drunk on the bike to. He was getting off work and going home.
I went to high school with Tom, and he was a great guy. It makes me mad when people ASSUME stuff when they dont know the situation.
Im not saying that he was or wasnt drunk but lets not go and assume that he was. One thing I know for sure is that a good person was taken way before his time
Cute WPForUS, but you know these people have no idea who that is.
Blackmoronj,
If I had a dime for young macho under 25 punk who tried to race me or blow past me on my bike I'd be rich. I've been riding longer than they have been on this earth & it makes no difference "stupid is as stupid does!!!"
yes.. us young kid can be reckless when we are driving.
This is not the case, the other car came across the line and hit him. not the other way around.
I was crushed when I found out last night. His sister and her boyfriend and a bunch of friends were all hangin' out and we were devastated.
I blame those arrogant, greedy, self serving oil companies. If gas prices weren't as rediculous as they are, he would've been driving his pickup, and maybe things would've turned out in reverse. Except it still would've been her fault and she would've paid the price! I don't really wish death on anyone. I'm angry about it but I also feel so sorry for her; her life will never be the same.
She should have to travel around the country and speak to high school students and colleges about what happens when you drink and drive. Until she's 30! We should definitely put her on Oprah and let her face the reality of the whole situation. To have to tell the whole country on national television about the stupidest thing you could ever do and own it!
I was debating if I should post something on here or not. But after reading so many of the ignorant, small minded comments made I could not help it. Did people here loose track of what happened? A man died!!!!!! WTF is up with all the other bs.... I worked with tom for over five years and we hung out drank and partied like everybody else... The difference is he knew when to stop and he knew when to stop people too. Anytime someone drinks or does any thing that impares your jusgement its your call to get behind the wheel or call for a ride. All I can say is I lost a great friend and take responsabilities for your mistakes. If you don't know what you are talking about don't F..kin write about it.
I totally agree wit the comment above. I am tom's brother and if you actually went to the scene of the accident and saw all the details of what actually happened than you would have a better understanding to what actually happened. It is something that no one wants to see, and now even have to think about it. Also living in the same house as him, just looking around and remembering the things that went on, or just seeing something that is his, you just want to break down that very second. The worst part is, i have to drive past the accident twice a day now, and it was only like 5 minutes from home. She should get what she deserves!!!
to tom's brother and family.. i am truly sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guy and though I lost touch with him after high school, I know he was fun guy and worked hard.
I agree with what you said that people lose track of what really happened. It makes me mad when people draw conclusions about what happened when they know nothing.
That is why Im not drawing conclusions and saying that Tom's family is in my prayers
to tom's brother and family.. i am truly sorry for your loss. Tom was a great guy and though I lost touch with him after high school, I know he was fun guy and worked hard.
I agree with what you said that people lose track of what really happened. It makes me mad when people draw conclusions about what happened when they know nothing.
That is why Im not drawing conclusions and saying that Tom's family is in my prayers
I was devastated to find out that Tom was killed. My heart breaks to know that a young life was lost because a drunk decided to get behind the wheel. I hope that she learns from this tragedy she has caused.
Tom, his family and his friends are all in my prayers.
Tom, I will always remember your smile.
My condolences go out to the family of the driver killed. I am sure he was a fine man as those who know him have said but know that the driver of the other car was also a fine young woman who had dedicated her life to serving our country. I personally know her. My condolences also go to her and her family. It will be a difficult time ahead for both families.
To those that don't know either one of these people, please stop making assumptions about either one of them. It doesn't help anyone and is wrong. This was a terrible tragedy with one killed and the others life ruined. Don't make it worse with your ignorant comments in a public forum.
jimk8, my sincerest condolences to you. I hope the happiest thoughts and rememberances of your brother carry you through this most difficult time.
nyccarver, perhaps your friend is a fine person, but she is also a dumb person, because her stupidity not only caused damage and heartache, it caused an innocent man to lose his life. At 22 years old, she knew better than to drink and drive. Her selfishness and stupidity is now resulting in agony for others. Sure her family will have a tough time with this, but think about her victim's family! She should be put in JAIL!!
Yes, the driver served our country; and now that she came home, she was going to be a New York State Trooper, too. HOW DID SHE POSSIBLY EXPECT TO SERVE New York as a State Police Officer? That is not what a Servicewoman/man or State Trooper's ID is. She took away a great guy, who was brother & friend to many. His family, friends & friends' families are most heartbroken.
I completely understand your anger and accept it. Yes, she was stupid, she did an absolutely terrible thing that can never be taken back. I am in no way making any excuses for her. terrible things happen to good people sometimes. If she could relive that night again, this would not have happened. I only hope that other young(and older) people learn a lesson so that it doesn't happen again(I'm sure it will until they outlaw alcohol in this country). Right after I heard the news, I stopped my friends nephew from driving a car after having a few beers. I am also sure that some of you making these comments have driven under the influence and luckily have gotten away with it. Young people never understand that, Yes, it can and will happen and yes, to them. She and her family will live with the guilt and shame for the rest of their lives. I am not trying to minimize what happened here, nor to make Toms death any less horrific than it was. I again extend my sincere condolences out to his family and friends and think about my own son and how I would feel. I know that there is nothing to be said that can make them feel any better. My heart breaks for them. She will no doubt face severe consequences, as she should. there are no more slaps on the wrists these days. dwi is taken very seriously by the courts. we all know that our judgement is clouded by even the slightest bit of alcohol, perhaps those that watched her leave and get into a vehicle after drinking should also be held responsible, never mind those that served her the drinks. A good time, a few drinks and many lives shattered.
p.s. to cat75 Guess who has the highest rates of alcoholism and suicides. You guessed it, Law enforcement and the military. Rethink your comment.
Let's put things in perspective here:
1- My condolances to both of the families. It is a tragic loss for both of the families who are involved.
2- Just because she was charged with a DWI doesn't mean she was falling over drunk. Remember that it only takes 1 DRINK IN 1 HOUR TO BE OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT IN NJ. So to all of you who say bad things about her, look in the mirror. If you have ever had JUST ONE drink and got behind the wheel, you are just as guilty as she is.
3- I am sure once the toxology comes back and if she was driving under the influence, she will be charged with vehicluar manslaughter. NJ has very strict laws.
4- I have been on both sides of seeing a good friend killed and having a friend who was DUI and killed someone. Both families suffer. Both the victim and the offender suffer.
5- No prison is a walk in the park as someone said. They take away your dignity, your rights and your privacy. Remember we have a justice system for a reason and if she does have to see time, it is punishment, not a reward.
6- Education on drinking and driving is the key. I can only pray when my son is old enough, he knows that he can call me anytime, under any circumstance to pick him up. Parents need to reinforce this over and over.
7- Many of you have said Tom was a great guy and I am sure that he was. But to set the record straight ,she not some snot nosed, selfish kid as people have said (without knowing her). She is a US Marine who has served our country unselfishly. She just made a terrible mistake that she will have to live with for the rest of her life.
If is a sad time for everyone ...
I agree with bro-in-law jimk8. Passing the scene and seeing everything that went on is the hardest thing in the world. I stayed at Tommy's house the night of the funeral and it was totally weird because your thinking that he should be pulling in the driveway, but he never does. When i woke up the next day, I stood by the front window for over an hour waiting for Tommy to pull in, and as every minute went by I cried harder and harder.
I don't think she has not been wrongfully charged. She has been charged with homicide, DWI, and wreckless driving. I think she deserves life in jail for taking Tommy's life, but the jail term is unfortunatly not that long.
I leave you with this... she deserves to get homiced becasue accepting a drink (or so) then getting behind the wheel of a "loaded weapon" and "aiming" at an innocent person should be considered a premeditated murder. And for this she deserves to have her life ruined like Tommy's and the rest of his family.
To Tommy's mom, dad, grandma, and 8 siblings this has been a tragic event. not only did Tommy die, but a part of all of us died with him.
For all of you people talking s*** about my brother-in-law, who was the motorcyclist, please stop. You do not know all the facts, and neither does the family. THere is a lot of hear say, but who knows what the real story is. Just remember Tommy was the victim here, why is he to blame???
I agree with bro-in-law jimk8. Passing the scene and seeing everything that went on is the hardest thing in the world. I stayed at Tommy's house the night of the funeral and it was totally weird because your thinking that he should be pulling in the driveway, but he never does. When i woke up the next day, I stood by the front window for over an hour waiting for Tommy to pull in, and as every minute went by I cried harder and harder.
I don't think she has been wrongfully charged. She has been charged with homicide, DWI, and wreckless driving. I think she deserves life in jail for taking Tommy's life, but the jail term is unfortunatly not that long.
I leave you with this... she deserves to get homicide becasue accepting a drink (or so) then getting behind the wheel of a "loaded weapon" and "aiming" at an innocent person should be considered a premeditated murder. And for this she deserves to have her life ruined like Tommy's and the rest of his family.
To Tommy's mom, dad, grandma, and 8 siblings this has been a tragic event. Not only did Tommy die, but a part of all of us died with him.
i think personaly for people that don't know the whole story needs to get it straight...ok and no one knows it. and for toms sake he was a great guy and very fond of his bike he would never ever risk that tom worked he nvr had time to drink so realize that! this realy upsets me that people that don't know or wasn't realll close like we are say some hurtful stuff like the was the one drunk well maybe it should make sence first and for lauren story i can't feel bad for her not one bit.. and you know what it kills me to know she is out but when she gets in front of judge confarti i know he is goin to had it to her cause she was druk and stupid anf KILLLED a innocent man and just like judege confatri he to lost his son to a drunk driver and i really hope he gives it to her she is not goin to get two years she deserves to e in there for life or at least 15 yrs..and for lauren it really discusses me that for someone who should know better for being a marine anfd killing someone be so happy!
to toms family....we all love and miss tom and its a tragic to watch all this happen and that we loss tom in such a stupid act u are in my heart always and forever and tom we love and miss you
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