East Orange, NJ – Fatal Pedestrian Crash on Garden State Pkwy
East Orange, NJ (March 20, 2025) – A fatal crash occurred on the Garden State Parkway in East Orange early on Thursday claiming the life of a 43-year-old man from Suffern, New York. According to the New Jersey State Police, the incident happened just before 1 a.m. at milepost 146.4.
State police report that Eliyahu Fink, 43, of Suffern, was driving a Tesla Model Y southbound when the car crashed and became disabled. Fink exited the car and was standing in the roadway when a Jeep Cherokee, also traveling southbound, hit both Fink and the Tesla. The collision caused Fink to be thrown into the northbound lanes, where he was hit by multiple vehicles.
Emergency responders, including paramedics, arrived on the scene shortly after the crash. Despite efforts to save him, Fink sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other individuals were reported injured in the accident.
The crash led to temporary lane closures on the Garden State Parkway, as authorities worked to clear the area and control traffic. The East Orange Fire Department assisted in extracting the disabled vehicles from the roadway. The New Jersey State Police continue to investigate the incident.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Eliyahu Fink during this incredibly difficult time.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns in East Orange
East Orange has experienced a troubling rise in pedestrian accidents, with areas like Freeway Drive becoming notorious for frequent collisions. Over four years, nearly 1,000 accidents were reported along this stretch, largely attributed to poor traffic light synchronization and inadequate crosswalks. These infrastructural issues, combined with high traffic volumes, have created dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
Essex County, where East Orange is located, also faces significant challenges. From 2017 to 2021, pedestrian fatalities accounted for approximately 46% of all fatal car crashes in the county, making it one of the most dangerous areas in the nation for pedestrians. Legal experts stress that pursuing wrongful death claims is essential not only for securing justice for victims’ families but also for advocating changes aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety. Addressing these issues through legal action can lead to improved road designs, stricter traffic law enforcement, and ultimately, a safer environment for everyone.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident in East Orange, an experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorney from Metro Law is ready to offer you effective legal representation. We take pride in our dedication to defending our clients and the personalized approach we apply to every case, always striving for the best possible outcome.
Contact us today at (800) 469-6476 to speak with one of our attorneys and schedule a consultation. Our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way and fighting for your interests with all the necessary effort.
