Crash that killed four, including Hackettstown boy, on Route 10 in Morris County ruled non-criminal, officials say
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — A fatal April crash that killed four people, including a 4-year-old Hackettstown boy, has been ruled non-criminal following an extensive investigation by Morris County authorities, officials announced Wednesday.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Sheriff James Gannon, and Randolph Police Chief Will Harzula said the collision occurred April 10, 2025, on Route 10 in Randolph Township.
Investigators said that around 3:20 p.m., a 2015 Mercedes-Benz driven by Diane Goetz, 71, of Randolph, suddenly accelerated while traveling north on Millbrook Avenue. The vehicle drifted into the southbound lane, ran a red light at 96 mph, and entered Route 10, where it struck a 2011 Honda CRV traveling eastbound and a 2019 Dodge Caravan traveling westbound. A 2020 Toyota Corolla was also damaged.
The Caravan, registered to Alyft Transport LLC, was transporting students from PG Chambers in Cedar Knolls. First responders from multiple agencies arrived quickly and provided aid.
Goetz and the Caravan’s driver, Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Caravan’s passenger, Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Wharton, died later at a nearby hospital. Two children riding in the Caravan were taken to local hospitals; one of them, Yexsel Reyes Granados, 4, of Hackettstown, died the following day from his injuries. The Honda’s driver was hospitalized with minor injuries, while the driver of the Corolla was treated at the scene.
A joint investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit, and the Randolph Police Department determined the crash was not criminal in nature. Investigators said Goetz may have suffered an unspecified medical episode before losing control of her vehicle.
“This was a heartbreaking day for the Morris County community,” Carroll said. “It is unthinkable that a collision can result in the loss of four lives, and the suffering of a second child. We appreciate the patience of the community while investigators performed their due diligence. I realize the conclusion may not be satisfactory for everyone, given the significant impact of this incident. 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.”
Sheriff Gannon added, “We recognize all the first responders who worked so hard to rescue and treat those involved in this accident, especially responders from the Randolph Police Department, Randolph Fire Department, Dover Fire Department, Denville Police Department, and Morris County Sheriff’s Office.”
