Holly MatkinJackson, NJ – Lakewood Police Department (LPD) Officer Nicklas Shimonovich was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash on Saturday, according to his department.
The 23-year-old officer was riding his 2015 Harley Davidson eastbound on Thompson Bridge Road shortly before 5 p.m. on Sept. 5, “when the motorcycle ran off the roadway and struck a mailbox and utility trailer which was parked on a property,” Jackson Police Captain Steven Laskiewicz said in a statement to the Asbury Park Press.
Officer Shimonovich was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, Capt. Laskiewicz said.
He was rushed to Monmouth Medical Southern Campus, were he succumbed to his injuries a short while later, the LPD said in a Facebook post on the night of the fatal collision.
The Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Jackson Township Police Department are handling the ongoing investigation into the young officer’s death.
Officer Shimonovich graduated from the Monmouth County Police Academy, as well as the New Jersey State Corrections Academy, according to his obituary.
He joined LPD in 2018, and was assigned to the Patrol Division’s evening shift, the department said.
“He was well respected by his peers, supervisors and the community he loved to serve,” the LPD’s post read. “We ask that you keep him and his family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Officer Shimonovich served alongside his parents, LPD Lieutenant Robert Shimonovich and Sergeant Jeannette Shimonovich, according to Jersey Shore Online.
He also leaves behind his girlfriend and his brother, as well as his grandparents, uncles, aunts, and many cousins, relatives and friends, according to his obituary.
Officer Shimonovich will be laid to rest on Friday.
R.I.P. Nick Shimonovich, badge number 392 (center), pictured with his parents Lt. Rob Shimonovich and Sgt. Jeanette Shimonovich, both longtime Lakewood Police Officers. pic.twitter.com/1km2ExlO9O
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) September 6, 2020
The Jaguar Football family has lost a son, brother, and teammate. An outstanding young man lost way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was blessed to have known Nick. We grieve with the Shimonovich family. RIP #11 pic.twitter.com/ZHRTVRGjr2
— Coach Mistretta (@vin_mistretta) September 6, 2020
The Cresskill Police Department extends our thoughts, prayers & sincere condolences to the Lakewood Police Department and the family of Police Officer Nicklas Shimonovich EOW 09/05/2020 @lakewoodtwppolice #lakewoodtwppolice 🙏🏼🖤💙🖤🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/7rqofS30wb
— Cresskill Police (@CresskillPolice) September 6, 2020
Lakewood Police and other authorities in Ocean County escort the body of Ptl. Nick Shimonovich today to a funeral home in Toms River.https://t.co/SKwcFhs9rU pic.twitter.com/ryXPeES81g
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) September 7, 2020
PHOTO: Flowers and flags mark the spot of the the fatal accident which claimed the life of Nick Shimonovich. @LakewoodScoop pic.twitter.com/32YWydX2x0
— isaac (@Reporter_15) September 6, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lakewood Police Department Officer Nicklas Shimonovich, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
