By: Richard L. Smith
A Hewitt man has been charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that claimed the life of a New York man earlier this year.
According to information released by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and West Milford Police Chief Shannon Sommerville, 28-year-old Donovan Kelly of Hewitt has been charged with third-degree causing death while driving with a suspended license following an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the West Milford Police Department.
Authorities said the crash occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. on May 31, 2026, at the intersection of Warwick Turnpike and Lake Shore Drive in Hewitt.
The collision involved a Dodge Charger and a Nissan Pathfinder.
The driver of the Dodge Charger, a 30-year-old Bardonia, New York resident, suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center.
He died the following day, June 1, as a result of his injuries.
Investigators determined that Kelly was operating the Nissan Pathfinder while his driver’s license was suspended at the time of the crash. He was charged and processed without incident on July 31.
If convicted, the third-degree charge carries a potential sentence of three to five years in New Jersey state prison.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional information may be released as it becomes available.