A Tragedy Beyond Words’, Four Killed, Including 4-Year-Old Boy, in Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash ‘

A devastating crash in Morris County, New Jersey, on April 10, left four people dead, including a 4-year-old boy. The incident occurred on Route 10 in the afternoon, involving a four-vehicle collision that included a school minivan carrying staff and students from the P.G. Chambers School.

First responders arrived at the scene to find the minivan involved in the crash, which was transporting three individuals who would later be identified as Bertha Castaneda, 67, Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, and Yexsel Reyes Granados, 4. Also confirmed dead was Diane Goetz, 71, who was in one of the other vehicles involved in the crash.

Authorities later confirmed that Castaneda, Figueroa, and Granados were passengers in the school minivan, and the crash tragically claimed their lives. Yexsel, who had special needs, was initially transported to Morristown Hospital, but he passed away a day later from injuries sustained in the collision.

At least four other people were injured in the crash, including two adults who received treatment at the scene and two children who were rushed to the hospital for further care. The crash’s cause remains under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Heartbreaking Tributes from Family Members
In a statement, Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll expressed his condolences and noted that many details surrounding the accident would remain undisclosed during the ongoing investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, and with those whose lives will undoubtedly be impacted by their loss,” Carroll said.

The family of Yexsel Reyes Granados created a GoFundMe page expressing gratitude to the first responders and healthcare workers who worked tirelessly to try and save him. They shared the heart-wrenching decision to bury Yexsel in his family’s homeland of Honduras, as they grieve their unimaginable loss.

“Yexsel was just 4 years old — a sweet, courageous child whose light shone brightly despite the challenges he faced,” his family wrote. “He brought joy, love, and warmth to everyone around him, and his spirit touched many in our community. His loss is a tragedy beyond words.”

Yexsel’s story has left an indelible mark on the community, as those who knew him remember his kindness and resilience despite his struggles.

Remembering a Beloved Family Member
A GoFundMe set up in honor of Maria Z. Figueroa saw her brother, Juan Nieves, share a poignant tribute. He described Figueroa as a “kind-hearted and selfless” woman and mother who was “the heart of our family.”

“Her loss has left an emptiness we can’t put into words,” Nieves wrote. “She was the glue that held us together, and the pain of losing her is something we’ll carry forever.”

As the community continues to mourn, authorities are working diligently to uncover the cause of this tragic event. The impact of the crash is felt deeply by all who knew the victims, and the families of those lost are left grappling with grief that words can hardly capture.