A driver who started a chain reaction crash in Morris County earlier this year that left her and three others dead may have suffered a medical episode, investigators announced Wednesday.
The incident happened at 3:20 p.m. on April 10 on Route 10 in Randolph when a Mercedes Benz driven by 71-year-old township resident Diane Goetz, accelerated suddenly while traveling north on Millbrook Avenue, according to a statement from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Her vehicle drifted into the southbound lane, and proceeded through a red light at 96 mph onto Route 10, the office said. The Mercedes then struck a 2011 Honda CRV traveling eastbound, and impacted a 2019 Dodge Caravan traveling westbound. A 2020 Toyota Corolla was also damaged in the crash.
The Mercedes came to a rest on the grass on the northwest corner of the intersection, authorities said.
The Caravan was transporting students from PG Chambers in Cedar Knolls, and was registered to Alyft Transport, LLC, investigators said.
Immediately following the crash, first responders from multiple agencies arrived on the scene to help the injured.
The driver of the Caravan, Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover, was pronounced dead on scene, and one of her passengers, Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Wharton was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, the office said. Goetz, was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Two children who were inside the Caravan were transported to local hospitals for care, and one of them, Yexsel Reyes Granados, died from his injuries the day after the crash, authorities said.
The adult driver of the Honda was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries, and the adult driver of the Toyota was treated at the scene.
An investigation by the prosecutor’s office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit, and the Randolph Police Department concluded the crash was not criminal in nature, officials said.
Goetz may have suffered an unspecified medical episode while driving on Millbrook Avenue, the office said.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll thanked the local community while investigators performed their due diligence as they investigated the deadly crash.
“I realize the conclusion may not be satisfactory for everyone, given the significant impact of this incident,” Carroll said. “However, there is no evidence to suggest criminal intent on the part of the at-fault driver. It can be difficult to make sense of such a tragic accident. Those who continue to mourn their loved ones remain in our prayers.”
Driver who started crash that left 4 dead may have suffered medical episode, N.J. investigators say
