A mother of two died and seven other people were hurt when an elderly motorist drove an SUV into diners gathered on a restaurant patio at the Jersey Shore.
Ursula Keating, 56, was fatally struck shortly before 11.30am on Saturday as a 93-year-old driver tried to park outside Meg’s Grill in Lavallette.
According to police, the driver mistakenly stepped on the accelerator rather than the brake.
The SUV plowed into the restaurant, injuring the driver and several people inside. Cornerstone Wines and Liquors, the neighboring business, was also hit, the store said in a social media post.
Keating, who was married to Silverton Volunteer Fire Company Chief John Jr Keating, was remembered as a warm, affectionate and deeply loved mother, wife and member of the community.
Meg’s Grill said Keating had been at the restaurant with her daughter when the crash happened.
The driver’s name has not been released. She suffered minor injuries, while all seven other injured people were taken to hospital; their conditions were not immediately known.
In a Facebook statement, the restaurant offered its condolences to Keating’s husband and children, writing: ‘To Ursula Keating, Your husband John and your two beautiful children. It is with immeasurable sadness we give our condolences to your family. I can not imagine the loss you are feeling and my heart and my thoughts are with you all. Your daughter was a true hero on this day.’
Ursula Keating, pictured with her husband, was killed shortly before 11.30am on Saturday when an SUV crashed into Meg’s Grill in Lavallette
Police said the 93-year-old driver hit the accelerator instead of the brake while trying to park outside the restaurant
Keating, pictured with her husband and children, was remembered as a warm, affectionate and beloved mother, wife and community member
The 93-year-old driver crashed into Meg’s Grill, injuring herself and several others, before the vehicle struck the neighboring Cornerstone Wines and Liquors
The restaurant added: ‘She held your hand and kept you calm. And never left your side. She showed immense bravery and selflessness. I know there are no words that can help you in this time. But there is love for you everywhere. I hope your hearts can heal. Please know that not a moment goes by that we are not thinking of you.’
Supporters have rallied behind Keating’s husband and their children, Jordyn and Colin, through a Give in Kind page collecting meal donations for the family.
The page highlighted the family’s long record of public service, saying: ‘John Keating and his family have dedicated their lives to assisting others, John has dedicated his life as a Police Officer, Volunteer Fire Chief, EMT, and Career Firefighter has answered the call for more than can be counted.’
Jonathan Potoczack, a former Garfield Fire Department member, shared memories of Keating on Facebook. ‘I had the pleasure of being around Ursula during my younger years, and I’ll always remember her for her warm, affectionate, and helpful personality. She was someone who made you feel welcomed and cared about, and those are the kinds of people you never truly forget,’ he wrote.
He continued: ‘I’m grateful for the memories and for the kindness she showed me during my time with Garfield Fire department years. My thoughts and prayers are with Chief Keating, the family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her during this difficult time.’
Amanda Maloney Lowther, who had worked with Keating and considered her a friend, wrote: ‘I may have only had the privilege of working with you for a short time Ursula, but we became fast friends. We weren’t just coworkers, we were buddies.’
Garfield Mayor Everett E Garnto Jr said the city was mourning the ‘tragic loss’ of Keating, adding that ‘hearts are heavy.’
It was not immediately clear whether the driver had been charged. Meg’s Grill later said the restaurant ‘is fine’ and ‘was undamaged’; Cornerstone Wines & Liquors was also struck
Everett E Garnto Jr, the mayor of the city of Garfield, said that ‘hearts are heavy’ over the ‘tragic loss’ of Keating
According to Meg’s Grill, the mother-of-two was with her daughter at the time of the tragedy
‘A beloved mother, wife, and friend, and the cherished wife of retired Garfield Police Lieutenant John Keating. Her life was tragically cut short in the horrific incident in Lavallette, leaving her family and all who loved her facing unimaginable heartbreak,’ Garnto wrote.
‘There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a wife, a mother, and a dear friend so suddenly. Behind this tragedy is a family whose lives have been forever changed, children grieving their mother and a husband mourning the woman with whom he shared his life.’
The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary just this year.
Keating, a senior administrative and medical assistant at Central Jersey Hand Surgery, was described by a colleague as a ‘dear friend.’
‘Ursula was more than a member of our team. She brought kindness and warmth to those around her. Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her and knowing her,’ Fran Holinda wrote.
‘There are no words that can truly express how difficult it is to lose someone so suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ursula’s family, loved ones, friends, and everyone who is grieving this tremendous loss.’
It remains unclear if any charges have been brought against the driver. The restaurant said in an update that the restaurant ‘is fine’ and ‘was undamaged.’
‘But I can’t say the same for our hearts,’ they added, announcing they would be closed for Sunday and Monday.
Our News Outlet reached out to Meg’s Grill and the Lavallette Police Department for comment.
