4-Year-Old Boy, 3 Others Dead After Multi-Car Crash Involving a School Vehicle in N.J.: 'A Tragedy Beyond Words'

Four people, including a 4-year-old boy, died in a multi-vehicle crash in New Jersey.

On the afternoon of Thursday, April 10, authorities were notified of an incident on Route 10 in Morris County.

Upon arrival, first responders witnessed a four-vehicle crash that included a school minivan carrying employees and students from the P.G. Chambers School, according to a statement from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities identified the deceased individuals as Bertha Castaneda, 67; Diane Goetz, 71; Maria Z. Figueroa, 58; and Yexsel Reyes Granados, 4. Castaneda, Figueroa and Granados were all confirmed to be riding in the school minivan, per the police statement.

At least four other people were also injured in the incident, authorities added, including two adults, who were treated at the scene, as well as two children, who were transported to a local hospital.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the prosecutor's office is asking any witnesses to come forward.

Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll wrote in a statement that many details of the accident will remain undisclosed for the time being.

"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.

Yexsel, who had special needs, was initially transferred to Morristown Hospital, though he died one day after the crash.

On a GoFundMe page, the child's family expressed their gratitude to first responders and healthcare workers for their efforts.

They added that they wish to bury Yexsel in his family's homeland of Honduras amid "the unimaginable pain of saying goodbye."

"Yexsel was just 4 years old — a sweet, courageous child whose light shone brightly despite the challenges he faced," his family continued.

"He brought joy, love, and warmth to everyone around him, and his spirit touched many in our community," they added. "His loss is a tragedy beyond words."

Figueroa's brother, Juan Nieves, remembered her as a "kind-hearted and selfless" woman and mother in a GoFundMe page set up in her honor.

"She was the heart of our family, and her loss has left an emptiness we can't put into words," he added.