Fiery NJ Crash Kills Retired Cop, 2 Children, Other Driver: Officials

Update: Funeral services have been scheduled for Andrew, AJ, and Madelyn Benavente. Click here for more details.

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A retired Newark police officer and his two children died along with another driver in a fiery Sussex County crash on Saturday, said police and family members.

People have donated almost $80,000 as of Tuesday afternoon to help the Benavente and Melendez families of Newton, who are grieving the loss of three beloved family members.

The crash happened in Andover Township, on Newton-Sparta Road near Sparta around 4:07 p.m. May 27. Township police said the driver of a 2021 Jeep Rubicon was going westbound and crossed over the double yellow lines, hitting an eastbound 2001 Ford Ranger head-on.

The Ranger caught fire with three occupants trapped inside, according to police.

"First responders utilized fire extinguishers and attempted life saving measures but the flames had become too intense," police said in an update.

Driver Andrew Benavente, 36, of Newton and his children Andrew Jr. (13) and Madelyn (5) were pronounced dead at the scene, said township police. Benavente Sr. was a retired Newark police officer, according to NorthJersey.com.

The Jeep driver, 22-year-old Bruce Cseh of Blairstown, was also trapped according to police. First responders pulled the Jeep away from the Ford Ranger and extinguished the flames.

Crews then used the "jaws of life" to extricate Cseh from the Jeep, and transported him to Morristown Hospital via helicopter. Medical staff pronounced him dead at the hospital due to his injuries, said police.

The Andover Township Police Department is investigating the crash, along with the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office and the Sussex County Sheriff's Department Crash Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for monetary help with funeral costs and medical bills, the online fundraiser states. Donations will support Digna Melendez-Benavente, who is Andrew's wife and the children's mother, and other family members "with the overwhelming expenses stemming from this tragedy."

"We understand that not everyone is able to donate, but you can still make a difference by sharing this campaign with your friends and family through social networks and word of mouth," wrote fundraising organizer Edwin Melendez. "Spreading the word and raising awareness about the family's situation is equally valuable."

"Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support," Melendez continued. "Together, we can make a meaningful impact and provide a ray of hope in the darkest of times."