Investigation Complete in Crash That Killed Trump's Pilot

Nearly four months after a Long Valley man and pilot for Donald Trump was killed in a head-on car crash in Washington Township, authorities have concluded their investigation.

A joint statement by the Washington Township Police Department and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office said no criminal charges will be made against Elaine Moran, 69, of Long Valley, after her Lexus SUV swerved over the yellow line, hitting Ray Ferrante, 68, also of Long Valley, head-on in Washington Township on April 18.

The crash occurred at 5:28 p.m. while Ferrante was driving his 1961 Chevy Corvette, heading west on West Mill Road. Ferrante was pronounced dead at the scene after succumbing to his injuries.

According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, “After a thorough investigation by law enforcement, and in coordination with the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police Forensics Laboratory, no evidence of criminal conduct was found on the part of the driver of the Lexus. Analysis of the driver’s blood did not reveal the presence of any substance that would have impaired one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle. As such, no criminal charges are forthcoming arising out of this incident.“

See related:

• Cops: Long Valley Man Killed in Two-Car Crash in Washington Twp.
• Trump Pays Tribute to Personal Pilot, Long Valley Man Killed in Car Crash
• Arlington Services Planned for Trump Pilot Killed in Long Valley Car Crash

Ferrante’s life accomplishments were vast, and for the last 30 years spent much of his time both professionally and personally alongside billionaire and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Ferrante served as one of Trump’s personal pilots and friends. After the pilot’s passing, Trump told Patch, “Ray was a fantastic pilot and a fantastic man. “He was with me for many years and I have met few people of such quality. He will be sorely missed both professionally and personally.”

Ferrante was a decorated pilot during the Vietnam war and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by a wife and three children.