NJ Dump Truck Driver Who Killed Woman, Hurt Child Faces New Charges: Prosecutors

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — The driver of a dump truck who was involved in a fatal collision this summer has been charged with vehicular homicide, officials said Wednesday.

Sebastian Zapata, 36, of Sussex, was arrested and charged last week in connection with the death of 40-year-old Katherine VanAllen, of Newton.

The charges stem from an incident on the morning of June 18, when Franklin Borough police were called to the intersection of Route 23 and Mabie Street on reports of an accident.

More: Woman Killed, Child Injured In North Jersey Dump Truck Collision

Authorities learned that a Ford SUV, occupied by VanAllen and a child, was traveling northbound on Route 23 when it was T-boned by a dump truck, driven by Zapata, according to police.

The collision pushed VanAllen's Ford into Route 23's southbound lanes, where it was hit a second time by a Toyota SUV, officials said.

VanAllen and her child passenger were seriously injured in the crash and evacuated by helicopter to a nearby hospital. VanAllen was pronounced dead soon after.

The driver of the Toyota and Zapata were also rushed to a hospital to be treated for injuries.

After a months-long investigation, authorities determined that Zapata was responsible for VanAllen's death, according to police.

Zapata was arrested on Sept. 21 and charged with vehicular homicide, as well as two counts of assault by auto. He is being held in the Morris County Correctional Facility while awaiting court proceedings.