A heartbreaking crash early Saturday morning claimed the life of a Mays Landing man and left a community in shock. Authorities say 41-year-old William Bussey III was killed in a one-car accident along Route 40 shortly after 12:30 a.m. The quiet overnight hours quickly turned tragic as emergency crews rushed to the scene near Strand Avenue.

According to police, Bussey was traveling eastbound on Route 40 when he suddenly lost control of his vehicle. Investigators say the car veered off the roadway toward the westbound shoulder for reasons that remain under review. The area was dark and mostly empty at the time, making the crash all the more sudden and devastating.

Officials reported that Bussey was driving a 2015 Cadillac XTS. After leaving the roadway, the vehicle struck a series of trees before finally coming to rest. The impact caused severe damage to the car. When first responders arrived, they found Bussey critically injured inside the vehicle.

Despite efforts by emergency personnel, Bussey was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that he was alone in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Authorities also stated that he was not wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred, a detail investigators noted as part of their report.

Route 40 was shut down for nearly three hours while officers investigated the crash and crews worked to clear the wreckage. Traffic was diverted as law enforcement carefully examined the scene to determine what led to the fatal loss of control. The roadway was later reopened once the investigation phase was completed.

Several agencies responded to assist, including the Township of Hamilton Rescue Squad, AtlantiCare Paramedics, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Mays Landing, Richland, and Laureldale fire departments. The tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers drivers can face, especially during late-night travel. As the investigation continues, friends and loved ones are left mourning a life cut short far too soon.