Bertha Castaneda, Maria Figueroa Death, Obituary News – Three people lost their lives, and a 4-year-old boy with special needs is in critical condition after a tragic four-vehicle crash in Randolph Township, Morris County, on Thursday afternoon, according to officials and the victims’ families.
The accident involved a school minivan transporting students and staff from the P.G. Chambers School, which serves children with disabilities from preschool through eighth grade in Cedar Knolls. Two of the adults who died in the crash were passengers in that school minivan.
Authorities reported that the collision occurred around 3:20 p.m. near the intersection of County Road 656 (Millbrook Avenue) and State Route 10. The impact forced authorities to close both directions of Route 10 for about six hours while emergency responders worked at the scene and began their investigation.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the deceased victims were 67-year-old Bertha Castaneda from Dover, 58-year-old Maria Figueroa from Wharton, and 71-year-old Diane Goetz from Randolph. Castaneda and Figueroa were both in the school minivan at the time of the crash.
In addition to the fatalities, two children, including 4-year-old Dexsel, sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Dexsel, who has special needs, is currently undergoing treatment at Morristown Medical Center. Two other adults involved in the crash were treated at the scene for less serious injuries.
As of now, the circumstances that led to the crash have not been disclosed by officials, as the investigation is still ongoing. The Randolph Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit are all working together on the case.
Due to the crash, traffic in the area worsened, especially since nearby roads were already heavily used by drivers avoiding a Route 80 detour caused by a sinkhole. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the crash to contact Randolph Township Police or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll urged the public to show sensitivity when discussing the tragedy online. He emphasized that this was a heartbreaking incident for the entire Morris County community and that sharing unverified or graphic information could be traumatic for those involved.
“This is a horrible tragedy for the Morris County community and beyond,” Carroll said in a statement on Friday. “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.”
In the aftermath of the crash, friends and family members of the victims have created online fundraisers to help support the grieving families. One of these fundraisers was launched by Juan Nieves, the brother of victim Maria Figueroa. He described Figueroa as a loving and selfless woman who dedicated her life to her family. Nieves said the fundraiser will help cover funeral expenses and support their family during this difficult time.
Nieves shared that his family has been part of the Randolph community since 2015 and spoke of Maria Figueroa’s devotion to her children and her hardworking nature. “She was the heart of our family, and her loss has left an emptiness we can’t put into words,” he wrote.
Another fundraiser has been organized to help with the medical expenses of 4-year-old Dexsel, who remains in critical condition. Miguel Velasquez, a Hackettstown resident, created the fundraiser and described Dexsel’s severe injuries. He said the child, already facing challenges as a special needs student, is now fighting for his life.
“His injuries are severe, and the road to recovery—if even possible—will be long and uncertain,” Velasquez wrote. He asked for the community’s prayers and support for Dexsel’s family during this difficult journey.
On Friday, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway and the Township Council expressed their condolences to the families affected by the crash. They acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by the entire community and extended their sympathies to everyone grieving.
“While we know no words are adequate in the wake of such sorrow, we mourn alongside you during this difficult time,” the mayor and council said in a statement.
Randolph School District officials also issued a statement, confirming that their crisis response team had been activated to help students and staff cope with the tragedy. They assured the public that they are working closely with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
The mayor and council also expressed their gratitude to the first responders who rushed to the scene of the crash, including Randolph Police, Fire Departments, the rescue squad, and emergency teams from neighboring towns. They acknowledged the emotional toll that such tragic incidents can take on first responders and thanked them for their dedication to protecting the community.
Officials have said they will provide further details on the crash as the investigation progresses.