Esmeralda Melchar dies in fatal Roxbury Township car crash

Esmeralda Melchar dies in fatal Roxbury Township car crash

Fatal Roxbury Township car crash death of Esmeralda Melchar – Obituary

Esmeralda Melchar, a 30-year-old woman from East Rutherford, was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Monday morning in Roxbury Township, Morris County officials reported.

The incident happened around 5:30 a.m. on April 28, 2025, near the intersection of Howard Boulevard and Ledgewood Road/Mt. Arlington Road. Authorities say Melchar was the front-seat passenger in a 2003 Chevy Express van when it veered off the road and collided with a tree.

First responders found the vehicle with significant damage, and Melchar was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, 33-year-old Alexander Serrano, also of East Rutherford, showed indications of being impaired and was taken to Morristown Medical Center for medical care before being transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Serrano now faces a charge of second-degree vehicular homicide. He has been released from custody under non-monetary bail terms that include Level III Pretrial Monitoring, the surrender of his passport and driver’s license, and a ban on alcohol consumption.

He is due to appear in court for a Pre-Indictment Conference on June 9. Authorities say the crash investigation is ongoing.