Police responded to the crash at 1:36 a.m. at Yellowbank Road just west of Vaughn Avenue.
Investigators say 18-year old Conner Hanfin of Toms River was driving a 2006 Honda Civic when he went through a stop sign, over a curb at the end of a cul-de-sac, and ended up hitting a tree in a wooded area.
A passenger, 19-year old Francis Duddy of Toms River, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hanfin was extricated by emergency crews and airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center, where he is in critical condition.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. No charges have been filed as of yet.