The Cherry Hill community is mourning the loss of Gerald S. Yashinsky Jr., a 51-year-old resident who died after being struck by a vehicle Monday evening. The fatal collision happened shortly after 6:40 p.m. along the busy stretch of Haddonfield Road near Yale Avenue, a corridor known for its steady traffic flow and frequent pedestrian crossings. As nightfall had already set in, visibility was limited, creating conditions that investigators believe may have played a role in the tragic incident.
According to preliminary reports from law enforcement, Yashinsky was attempting to cross the roadway when he was hit by a northbound vehicle. The impact occurred in low-light evening conditions, prompting investigators to examine whether factors such as street lighting, driver visibility, or traffic density contributed to the crash. Authorities emphasized that understanding these conditions is essential to determining how the collision unfolded and whether any additional safety measures may be needed in the area.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene minutes after the crash was reported. First responders provided life-saving aid before Yashinsky was transported to a nearby medical facility. Despite extensive efforts from both paramedics and hospital staff, he succumbed to his injuries. Officials have expressed their condolences to his family and friends, noting the deep pain such sudden and unexpected loss brings to a community. His passing has left neighbors and loved ones shaken as they struggle to process the heartbreaking news.
The driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and fully cooperated with arriving officers, according to police. Authorities said there was no indication of impairment or attempts to flee. As part of the standard investigative process, officers are reviewing the driver’s account, assessing vehicle damage, and analyzing whether speed or roadway conditions played a role. This cooperation, they noted, will help investigators build a clear and accurate timeline of events leading up to the fatal impact.
In the hours following the crash, authorities temporarily closed both directions of Haddonfield Road to allow the Traffic Safety Unit to conduct a thorough on-scene investigation. This involved documenting vehicle positioning, collecting roadway evidence, and photographing the area without interruptions from traffic. The closure lasted several hours before the road was reopened once investigators completed their initial work. Such precautions, officials explained, are standard in cases involving serious or fatal pedestrian crashes.
The Cherry Hill Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit continues to lead the investigation, with assistance from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office. Investigators are seeking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or observed activity nearby shortly before it happened. Meanwhile, the tragedy has renewed concerns about pedestrian safety along major roads like Haddonfield Road. Local officials often use data from incidents like this one to evaluate whether improved lighting, safer crosswalks, or updated signage could help prevent similar accidents in the future.
