Friends Shocked After Teen Is Crushed To Death By 650-Pound Stone Slab

BAYVILLE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A teenager was killed late last week when a stone slab weighing about 650 pounds fell on him outside an Ocean County, New Jersey business, and friends and neighbors were dumbfounded days later.

Ocean County prosecutors say Jared Marchiano, 17, was found Saturday morning at Stone N' Counters South LLC in Bayville. The business, which makes counter tops, was closed after the accident.

Officials said it appeared that Marchiano was trying to walk between marble and granite slabs when a massive slab fell on top of him.

Officials do not know how long the teen was trapped before a passing motorist spotted him and called police.

The Berkeley resident was pronounced dead shortly after authorities arrived on scene.

Trevor Farrell said the victim was one of this best friends.

"It ruined my summer, but I know he's watching over me. He was just the best. He was just such a good person," Farrell said.

As CBS2's Tony Aiello reported, Farrell was out with Marchiano and other high schoolers on Friday when Marchiano apparently decided to take a shortcut home.

Investigators believe he cut through the company's property in order to reach Wheaton Avenue. His family lives a few houses down the street.

"The other three boys said: 'We're not going that way. There's security. We're going the long route,'" Jennifer Hennessey said.

Police believe that Marchiano tried to squeeze past two pieces of granite and may have dislodged a piece of lumber holding the slabs in place.

The accident has shocked the quiet corner of Ocean County.

"Always thought when I ride my bike by here what happens one of those fell on someone, what would happen. Never thought it would really happen though," Roger Desch said.

Neighbors said the company posted new signs on the property warning of the dangers from the heavy slabs on display.

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