March 5, 2024, 7:38 a.m. ET
NEWTON – The Benavente family has requested that Sussex County rename a section of Newton-Sparta Road in memory of three relatives killed in a crash last year.
Andrew Benavente, 36, and his children, Andrew Jr., 13, and Madelyn, 5, died on May 26, 2023, when their vehicle collided head-on with a pickup truck driven by Bruce Cseh, 22, of Blairstown.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. near the Andover-Sparta town line, resulting in both vehicles catching fire and causing a closure of the highway until nearly midnight.
The family's request, presented at a county commissioners' meeting by Sylvia Benavente, seeks the renaming of County Route 616 between Limecrest Road and Pinkneyville Road.
In their letter, the family noted that the renaming might help prevent similar tragedies by keeping the accident in public awareness.
While no formal action was taken by the commissioners, County Administrator Ron Tappan indicated that the Division of Engineering would review the request and consider applicable federal or state regulations.
Tappan mentioned concerns about potential liabilities related to signs within the county's right-of-way and possible address changes along the affected properties.
Andrew Benavente was a former Newark police officer who later worked in the auto transportation industry after relocating to Sussex County.
Tappan confirmed that there are currently no officially designated county roads named after individuals, though some memorials exist informally along state highways.