Man jumps to death from Rt. 1 overpass

By Lea Kahn / Staff Writer
   LAWRENCE — A 45-year-old East Brunswick Township man jumped to his death from a bridge on Route 1 near the Quaker Bridge Mall Monday afternoon, according to the Lawrence Township Police Department.
   John D. DiMarco, who lived on Neal Drive in East Brunswick Township, stopped his car on the Kelly Viaduct — the overpass that crosses Route 1 next to the John’s Truck Stop gas station at around 5:35 p.m., said police Lt. Charles B. Edgar.
   Mr. DiMarco climbed over the fence on the overpass and jumped onto Route 1 North, landing in the inside lane next to the concrete median divider, Lt. Edgar said. He was not struck by any cars.
   Witnesses said a passing motorist stopped on the southbound side, climbed over the median onto Route 1 North, and directed northbound cars away from the victim.
   Police officers arrived and blocked off both sides of Route 1, Lt. Edgar said. The southbound lanes on Route 1 were opened about a half-hour later. One lane of Route 1 Northbound was also opened.
   Mr. DiMarco was taken to the Capital Health Center at Fuld Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Lt. Edgar said. The victim had suffered a broken arm and internal injuries, he added.
   "We had an incident several years ago where a man was talked off a bridge, but no one in my recollection has jumped from a bridge," Lt. Edgar said. "We have no idea why he did this, but obviously, our detectives have been in touch with his family."
   Patrolman Ruth Young and Detective Joseph Lech IV are investigating the incident, he said.