A New Jersey Transit bus driver has been indicted by an Atlantic County grand jury in connection with a deadly pedestrian crash that occurred in Absecon on Nov. 30, 2025.
Christopher L. Younger, 41, of Pleasantville, NJ, was indicted Wednesday on a charge of second-degree leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office announced Thursday, Feb. 19, that the grand jury returned the indictment.
According to law enforcement officials in New Jersey, the crash occurred at 5:59 p.m. — about 6 p.m. — on Sunday, Nov. 30, along Shore Road. Authorities said Younger was driving an NJ Transit bus south on South Shore Road just before 6 p.m. when the vehicle struck Thomas V. Kyle, 63, of Absecon. An affidavit of probable cause obtained by BreakingAC states that Kyle was hit shortly after the bus passed Iowa Avenue while he was attempting to cross Shore Road.
Kyle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators allege Younger did not remain where the collision occurred. The affidavit states he continued driving approximately one block to the area of West Bolton Avenue. There, he stopped the bus, exited, inspected it for damage, returned to the driver’s seat, and continued on his route.
According to the affidavit, Younger contacted NJ Transit’s control center and reported that he had struck a deer.
The following day, police issued a public request for assistance in what they described as an investigation into a death. Authorities said someone had been found dead on the shoulder of South Shore Road near Iowa Avenue but did not specify how the death occurred at that time.
As the investigation progressed, officials determined Younger was operating the bus when Kyle was struck and that he failed to stop at the scene after the crash.
Younger was charged on a summons in January, meaning he was not taken to jail.
The fatal crash investigation was conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit and the Absecon Police Department. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
Younger remains employed by NJ Transit but is not in service, a spokesperson told BreakingAC.
Anyone with information about the incident or other serious crimes is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or submit information through the Prosecutor’s Office website.
