2 Charged in Fatal Vineland, NJ, Crash That Killed 87-year-old Woman

Vineland, N.J. — Two people have now been charged in connection with a fatal accident in Cumberland County last November.

Fatal Crash at N. Lincoln and Maple in Vineland

It was on the afternoon of November 24th when officers with the Vineland Police Department responded to the area of N. Lincoln and Maple Avenues for a three-vehicle crash with serious injuries.

According to authorities, an investigation revealed that a 2009 Honda Civic, being driven by 87-year-old Ramona Sansalone of Minotola, was traveling southbound on N. Lincoln Ave. when it struck a 1989 Ford pickup truck with an 18-foot trailer that authorities initially identified as being operated by 36-year-old Dayana Rivera of Vineland.

Police say Sansalone's car struck the back of the trailer as it was making a left turn into a driveway; that impact redirected the Civic into oncoming traffic, where it hit a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, operated by 63-year-old Evelyn Masilotti of Vineland, head-on.

As a result of the crash, Sansalone was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Masilotti sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Inspira Hospital for treatment. Rivera refused medical treatment at the scene.

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Charges Now Filed

Last week, more than six months after the fatal crash, Jesus Ayala-Alvarez was charged and arrested for allegedly causing the death of another while being unlicensed during a motor vehicle crash and hindering his own apprehension by misrepresenting the identity of the vehicle's operator to law enforcement officers at the time of the crash.

He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail on a warrant pending further action by Bridgeton Superior Court.

Dayana Rivera was also charged in connection with the crash by allegedly providing false information to law enforcement officers in an attempt to hinder the apprehension, investigation, and/or prosecution of the person authorities now allege was driving the pickup truck, Ayala-Alvarez.

She was released on a summons awaiting further court action.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Vineland Police at (856) 691-4111.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com