A recently married couple’s journey together ended abruptly early Saturday morning, Feb. 22, 2025, when their vehicle was struck head-on by an allegedly intoxicated driver in Maurice River Township, New Jersey.
Thomas Splinter, 57, and Nancy Orellana-Splinter, 29, both of Mays Landing, New Jersey, died from injuries sustained when their westbound Honda collided with an eastbound Kia that had crossed the centerline on Route 552/Mays Landing Road near Ingersol Avenue around 4:15 a.m. on February 22, 2025.
“Thomas and Nancy married in September,” according to posts on Nancy’s Facebook page, meaning the couple had been married for less than six months at the time of the crash.
The incident occurred on a stretch of Route 552 that runs through Maurice River Township, a rural community in Cumberland County, New Jersey. The area where the crash took place is approximately 40 miles southwest of Atlantic City.
The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 25-year-old Levon Woods of Atlantic City, sustained moderate injuries in the collision. Municipal court records indicate Woods was issued citations for driving under the influence of liquor or drugs, reckless driving, and making an unsafe lane change.
New Jersey State Police Sergeant Charles Marchan confirmed the crash occurred near milepost 19.4 on Route 552. Woods was traveling east when his vehicle crossed into the oncoming lane and collided with the Splinters’ car. Both Thomas and Nancy were pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple leaves behind four children between them. According to family members, Nancy had a young son to whom Thomas had become “a wonderful father figure.” Thomas is reported to have had three children of his own from a previous relationship.
Kimberly Orellana, Nancy’s sister, confirmed to local media that her sister and Thomas were married in September 2024. Nancy’s social media accounts showed the couple was excited about their future together and dedicated to supporting their children.
Court records reveal that Woods was charged with DUI, reckless driving, and unsafe lane change in connection with the accident. As of Monday morning, Superior Court records listed no criminal charges in the case, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Records also indicate that Woods had previously been charged with careless driving on January 29, less than a month before the fatal collision.
“The crash remains under investigation. No additional information was available as of Monday morning,” a State Police spokesperson said.
The accident has deeply affected the Mays Landing community, where the couple resided. Family members have established a GoFundMe campaign to benefit the children and help the family with expenses during this difficult time.
Driving under the influence remains a significant public safety concern in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, impaired driving is a factor in approximately 30% of all fatal crashes in the state. In 2023, there were 697 fatal crashes in New Jersey, resulting in 738 deaths.
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash continues as the State Police gather additional evidence and await toxicology reports. Authorities have not released information about Woods’ blood alcohol content at the time of the collision or what types of substances may have been involved.
