By: Richard L. Smith
Image Credit: Randolph Police
A devastating multi-vehicle crash that claimed four lives in Randolph earlier this year has been ruled non-criminal following an extensive investigation by Morris County authorities.
The fatal incident happened on April 10, 2025, around 3:20 p.m., when a 2015 Mercedes-Benz driven by 71-year-old Diane Goetz of Randolph reportedly accelerated without warning while traveling north on Millbrook Avenue.
The vehicle crossed into the southbound lane, ran a red light at approximately 96 mph, and entered Route 10, where it struck a 2011 Honda CRV traveling eastbound.
The Mercedes then collided with a 2019 Dodge Caravan driving westbound. A 2020 Toyota Corolla was also damaged in the aftermath.
The Dodge Caravan, registered to Alyft Transport LLC, was transporting students from PG Chambers School in Cedar Knolls.
First responders from several agencies rushed to the scene to render aid, but three adults were pronounced dead, including Caravan driver Bertha Castaneda, 67, of Dover, and passenger Maria Z. Figueroa, 58, of Wharton. Goetz, the driver of the Mercedes, also died at the scene.
Three children from the Caravan were transported to local hospitals. One of the young passengers, 4-year-old Yexsel Reyes Granados of Hackettstown, died from his injuries the following day.
Two other children survived but required hospital care.
The Honda’s driver was treated for minor injuries, while the Toyota’s driver was evaluated at the scene.
Following a comprehensive review by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CSI Unit, and the Randolph Police Department, investigators determined the crash was not criminal.
Authorities said Goetz likely suffered an unexpected medical emergency, causing her to lose control of the vehicle before entering the intersection at high speed.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll described the event as “a heartbreaking day for the Morris County community,” acknowledging the enormous grief left behind while emphasizing that no evidence indicated criminal intent.
The investigation is now officially closed.