DWI Driver In Deadly NJ Bicycle Crash Was Trying To Pass Car In Front Of Him, Police Papers Say

A 44-year-old hit-and-run driver had a toddler in the back of his car when he struck and killed a bicyclist in Salem County early this month, police said.

Douglas W. Nutt, 62, of Upper Pittsgrove, died at the crash scene on Shirley Road after being struck by Deandra L. Brown Palmer, of Swedesboro, around 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, according to two affidavits of probable cause and New Jersey State Police.

Palmer, who had a 3-year-old child in the back seat of his car during the Upper Pittsgrove crash, is accused of recklessly causing Nutt's death and eluding police, police papers say.

Nutt had been riding his bicycle on the eastbound shoulder of Shirley Road as Palmer, heading west in his Toyota Corolla, tried to pass a vehicle in front of him, the affidavit says.

When he entered the shoulder of the roadway, Palmer hit the bicyclist, NJSP paperwork says.

Palmer continued west on Shirley Road without stopping then made a U-turn and drove back through the crash scene, again without stopping, the complaint says.

Palmer then failed to stop for a marked Elmer police vehicle with sirens and lights activated, according to a separate police department complaint. Palmer exhibited signs of impairment, the NJSP complaint says.

Palmer allegedly admitted drinking alcohol and driving while intoxicated that day, but said he could not recall hitting the victim, the state police's affidavit says.

Brown Palmer was charged with second-degree counts of reckless death by auto, knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, eluding and child endangerment, State Police said.

He was being held in Cumberland County Jail pending a detention hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, according to a Salem County Court spokeswoman.

Services are Tuesday, July 9 for Douglas Nutt at Elmer Grange Hall in Upper Pittsgrove, according to his obituary published by Adams Funeral Home.

The memorial visitation starts at 10 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m.

He was remembered as a loving husband, father, best friend and grandfather.

After he graduated from Woodstown High School in 1980, Douglas received his business degree and started his long career in the insurance industry, the obit says.