A mother-of-two was killed and seven others injured after an elderly driver sped an SUV into a crowd of diners on a restaurant patio on the Jersey Shore. 

Ursula Keating, 56, was killed just before 11.30am on Saturday after the driver attempted to park outside of Meg's Grill in Lavallette. 

Police said that the 93-year-old driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

The woman's car crashed into the restaurant, injuring herself and several others inside. The vehicle also struck Cornerstone Wines and Liquors neighboring Meg's Grill, the store said on social media. 

Keating, the wife of Silverton Volunteer Fire Company Chief John Jr Keating, was described as 'warm' and 'affectionate' as well as a 'beloved' mother, wife and community member. 

According to Meg's Grill, the mother-of-two was with her daughter at the time of the tragedy. 

The identity of the driver, who sustained minor injuries, remains unclear. All seven of those who were injured were transported to hospital in unknown conditions.

'To Ursula Keating, Your husband John and your two beautiful children. It is with immeasurable sadness we give our condolences to your family. I can not imagine the loss you are feeling and my heart and my thoughts are with you all. Your daughter was a true hero on this day,' the restaurant wrote in a statement on Facebook.

'She held your hand and kept you calm. And never left your side. She showed immense bravery and selflessness. I know there are no words that can help you in this time. But there is love for you everywhere. I hope your hearts can heal. Please know that not a moment goes by that we are not thinking of you.'

The community rallied around Keating's husband and children, Jordyn and Colin, with a Give in Kind meal donation page. 

'John Keating and his family have dedicated their lives to assisting others, John has dedicated his life as a Police Officer, Volunteer Fire Chief, EMT, and Career Firefighter has answered the call for more than can be counted,' the page said. 

'I had the pleasure of being around Ursula during my younger years, and I’ll always remember her for her warm, affectionate, and helpful personality. She was someone who made you feel welcomed and cared about, and those are the kinds of people you never truly forget,' Jonathan Potoczack, a former member of the Garfield Fire Department, said on Facebook.

'I’m grateful for the memories and for the kindness she showed me during my time with Garfield Fire department years. My thoughts and prayers are with Chief Keating, the family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her during this difficult time.'

Amanda Maloney Lowther, a former friend and co-worker of Keating's, said: 'I may have only had the privilege of working with you for a short time Ursula, but we became fast friends. We weren’t just coworkers, we were buddies.'

Everett E Garnto Jr, the mayor of the city of Garfield, said that 'hearts are heavy' over the 'tragic loss' of Keating.

'A beloved mother, wife, and friend, and the cherished wife of retired Garfield Police Lieutenant John Keating. Her life was tragically cut short in the horrific incident in Lavallette, leaving her family and all who loved her facing unimaginable heartbreak,' Garnto wrote. 

'There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a wife, a mother, and a dear friend so suddenly. Behind this tragedy is a family whose lives have been forever changed, children grieving their mother and a husband mourning the woman with whom he shared his life.'

The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary just this year. 

Keating, a senior administrative and medical assistant at Central Jersey Hand Surgery, was described by a colleague as a 'dear friend.'

'Ursula was more than a member of our team. She brought kindness and warmth to those around her. Her loss is deeply felt by all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her and knowing her,' Fran Holinda wrote. 

'There are no words that can truly express how difficult it is to lose someone so suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ursula's family, loved ones, friends, and everyone who is grieving this tremendous loss.'

It remains unclear if any charges have been brought against the driver. The restaurant said in an update that the restaurant 'is fine' and 'was undamaged.'

'But I can't say the same for our hearts,' they added, announcing they would be closed for Sunday and Monday. 

The Daily Mail reached out to Meg's Grill and the Lavallette Police Department for comment.