Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Verona Police Chief Mitchell Stern announced today that the Verona Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes/Crash Investigative Unit are investigating a fatal crash in which one person was killed and second sustained life-threatening injuries.
At approximately 7:45 a.m. today Megan E. Villanella, 34, of Verona and her 30-year-old brother were standing on the sidewalk at Lakeside Avenue and Pease Avenue when a 2006 white Mitsubishi struck them.
Ms. Villanella sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her brother was transported to University Hospital where he is in critical condition.
A 25-year-old male driver from Belleville remained at the scene. At this time, he has not been charged.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
