The owner of a popular restaurant in Ocean County has died after his vehicle collided into the rear of a crash attenuator vehicle.

The accident happened Thursday around 9:30 p.m. on Route 72 West, near Marsha Drive in Stafford.

According to police, Timothy Kohlheim, 36, of Manahawkin, was operating a 2015 Ford van when he collided into the rear of a crash attenuator vehicle preparing to set up for a lane closure due to construction.

Police say Kohlheim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Two people in the crash attenuator vehicle sustained minor injuries, and were both transported to a medical center for treatment.

The area of the highway was closed for about three hours.

Kohlheim was the owner of the Shore Fire Grille in Manahawkin and Surf City.

The restaurant released a statement on their Facebook page, saying, “The Shore Fire Family has lost a very special part of them. Due to these circumstances,

both locations will be closed for today. We will re-evaluate at a later time. Please keep Tim's wife, Samantha and their two little girls in your thoughts and prayers.”