A 4-year-old child succumbed to their injuries and died a day after experiencing a devastating four-vehicle crash.
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Citing the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, NJ.com reported that Yexsel Reyes Granados, 4, is the latest fatality associated with the Thursday car crash on Route 10 in Randolph. The crash involved four cars, including a school minivan.
It's not known exactly why Granados passed, although it is associated with the trauma of the crash.
Alongside hospitalizing young Granados, another child was hospitalized in the crash. Three adults were killed: Bertha Castaneda, 67, and Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, were in the minivan, and Diane Goetz, 71, was in a different vehicle. Another two adults were treated at the scene.
Authorities have not explained this dramatic multi-vehicle crash. "While we cannot disclose many details on the circumstances of this crash at this time, I can say this is a horrible tragedy for the Morris County community and beyond," Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said.
However, a GoFundMe for the late child's funeral claimed that the school minivan was struck by a car going 80 mph. The minivan was registered to Alyft Transport LLC for P.G. Chambers School in Cedar Knolls, according to NJ.com.
Family Remembers Young Yexsel Granados
In the GoFundMe, the family wrote a small tribute to the young boy.
"Yexsel was just 4 years old—a sweet, courageous child whose light shone brightly despite the challenges he faced. He brought joy, love, and warmth to everyone around him, and his spirit touched many in our community," the organizer wrote.
Robert J. Carroll also extended his sympathies for the families involved. "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," he said.
"We ask that residents exercise discretion with what they share online, as this incident may be deeply traumatic for those in the community."
With many victims, this car crash will go down as a terrible tragedy for Morris County. All we can hope for now is for the remaining hospitalized child to survive their injuries.
