Brian Baldari Charged in Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Olympic Swimmer Edwin Borja

A New Jersey pharmaceutical executive has been charged after a deadly wrong-way crash that killed a former Olympic swimmer.

Police say Brian Baldari, 47, drove his Cadillac CT5 Blackwing at more than 100 mph in the wrong direction on Route 70 in Lakewood, New Jersey. The crash happened in March 2025.

Baldari drove for about two miles before hitting Edwin Borja’s Mazda CX5 head-on. The impact also involved six other vehicles. The crash happened around 5:50 a.m.

When police arrived, Baldari’s car was on fire. He was trapped inside. First responders pulled him out and airlifted him to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Later, he was moved to Weill Cornell Medicine Burn Center in New York City.

Borja, 66, was also airlifted to the hospital. He died from his injuries 11 days later. A third driver was hurt but later released from the hospital.

Officials say Baldari’s car reached 103 mph before the crash.

After a months-long investigation, prosecutors charged Baldari with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and assault by auto. If found guilty, he could face up to 50 years in prison.

Baldari surrendered to Lakewood police and was taken to the Ocean County Jail. He will stay there until a detention hearing.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Baldari is an award-winning pharmaceutical executive. He has launched 14 blockbuster drugs. He is a Rutgers University graduate and works as Vice President at Azurity Pharmaceuticals in North Carolina.

Edwin Borja’s life
Borja moved to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1971. At 14, he swam for the Philippines in the 1972 Munich Olympics. He also competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

In later years, he worked as a controller for Dana Companies, which transports hazardous goods. He was active in his local church choir and loved bowling. His wife, Marieta, passed away in 2019. He leaves behind two children and four grandchildren.