Grief For Beloved NJ Nurse Killed In Head-On Crash In Jersey City

Adriana Riano did what every nurse should do: Finding the good in everyone she met.

Now her friends are grieving the loss of a woman who was always there, whether you needed help or just some encouragement.

Adriana Riano, 32, of North Bergen was killed on Sunday when two cars crashed head-on in Jersey City, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

In her obituary, one friend remembered how Adriana was so humble, very dedicated, brilliant, funny, and quite approachable as a mentor on her job.

Just May 2nd, she gave a beautiful 10 minute presentation that was intended to help very sick patients who may be susceptible to a pressure ulcer, a friend said.

"You will be dearly missed! Thank you for reaching out to many souls in your own unique way," the friend said.

On her GoFundMe page, friends remembered Adriana as the person who could always make themselves happy, as well as everybody around them. Daily Voice said she worked at Hackensack University Medical Center.

They showed pictures of her in the water at the beach and smiling all the way as friends thanked her for her love.

"It’s so obvious how special you are to (get reaction from) many from all different walks of life," said Natalia Alaniz-Bahrke. "You will truly be missed by many. Your love and light is shining brighter than ever sweetie!"

The crash happened at 7:15 a.m. when Jersey City Police Officers were dispatched to Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City, just south of the Congress Street intersection, on a report of a motor vehicle collision, according to the HCPO.

Upon arrival, the responding officers discovered two vehicles were involved in a collision. The first vehicle was a 2008 Ford Edge operated by Riano, accoridng to the HCPO. The vehicle also had a 30-year-old male passenger.

The second vehicle was a 2015 Dodge Charger operated by Jonathan Ortiz-Guananga, 26, of Union City.

All three individuals were transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical
Center. Riano was pronounced dead at approximately 3:15 p.m., according to the HCPO.

Her passenger was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Ortiz-Guananga was treated for his injuries and remains in critical condition at JCMC.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit determined that the two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision. The events surrounding the collision remain under investigation.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit is actively investigating this case with
assistance from the Jersey City Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.