Deanna D’Arco-19 : UPDATE: AG IDs victim, officer in fatal Sussex County crash

Tragic Accident in Franklin Borough, Sussex County

On a fateful day in Sussex County, a tragic accident unfolded near the intersection of Route 23 and Walsh Street in Franklin Borough. The incident involved a collision between a marked police vehicle and another car, resulting in the unfortunate death of Deanna D’Arco, a 19-year-old resident of Sussex Borough.

Identifying the Victims

The NJ Attorney General’s Office has now released the identities of those involved in the fatal crash. Deanna D’Arco, the young passenger who suffered life-threatening injuries, was pronounced dead on May 29 at Morristown Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle and the police officer, Sgt. William Grissom, both sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the collision.

Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities have refrained from revealing further details at this time. The Attorney General’s Office is mandated by a 2019 law to conduct thorough investigations into deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement officers in their official capacity. This includes presenting all findings to a grand jury to determine any potential indictments against the officers involved.

Legal Implications

Under N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), the circumstances surrounding Deanna D’Arco’s tragic passing will be rigorously examined to ascertain the events leading up to the collision in Franklin Borough. The driver of the vehicle, the police officer, and any other pertinent details will be meticulously reviewed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the investigation continues to shed light on the events of that fateful day in Sussex County. The Attorney General’s Office remains committed to upholding justice and transparency in all matters concerning interactions between law enforcement and civilians.