Updated May 31, 2024, 3:22 p.m. ET
A crash in Franklin Borough on Memorial Day resulted in the death of a 19-year-old woman and is under investigation by the state Attorney General's Office.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:40 a.m. on May 27 when a marked patrol vehicle, operated by a borough police officer, collided with another vehicle at the intersection of State Route 23 and Walsh Road, according to a release from the AG's office.
The female passenger, identified as Deanna D'Arco, was transported to Morristown Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries at 12:45 a.m. on May 29. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has since been treated and released.
Authorities have not released the officer's name, but D'Arco's family confirmed her identity. A GoFundMe page has been established by her family and boyfriend's family to assist with expenses.
Deanna D'Arco's father, Steven D'Arco, released a statement expressing his sorrow, describing her as his “hero.” He mentioned that a flag raising occurred at Morristown Medical Center as part of her organ donation process.
Authorities have confirmed that there were no other injuries and the crash resulted in temporary lane closures and traffic rerouting around the scene, which is located near a busy commercial area.
The AG's Office is conducting a thorough investigation, as mandated by state law, for all incidents involving law enforcement-related fatalities.
As of Friday, additional fundraising efforts for Deanna's family have attracted substantial community support.