'A Loving Little Girl': Family Calls For Justice After 5-Year-Old Killed In NJ Rollover Crash

MAPLE SHADE, NJ — A family has been left heartbroken after the loss of a "beautiful little girl" who died on Thursday after she was ejected from an SUV during a crash earlier this month.

Alana Rose Corosanite, 5, died as a result of an overnight June 1 crash on Rt. 73.

According to her mother and aunt, Alana was not properly secured in the vehicle, and her father was driving drunk at the time.

"Alana was a bright, energetic, loving little girl who adored her family," her aunt, Samantha Schreiber, shared with Patch. "She was a devoted big sister, a mother's girl, and a child who brought joy to everyone who knew her."

Now, both her aunt and Alana's mom, Ashley Depoe, are calling for justice in what they say was an alcohol-infused, road rage duel with a tragic ending.

"Her life mattered, and her story deserves to be heard," Depoe said.

At around 12:45 a.m. on June 1, officials responded to the 2800 block of Route 73 North near the Clover Motel for a report of a single-vehicle crash, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said. Alana Rose Corosanite, 5, and three adults were in the Jeep at the time.

Alana was with her mother in the afternoon before joining her father in the evening so that he could take her home to go to sleep in order to get ready for school the next morning, according to her family.

According to Depoe, she has custody of Alana, but Alexander was granted visitation rights in 2025. Her father also has residential custody due to having a car to get her to school and back.

Alexander was driving the Jeep and was joined by two other adults, none of whom took the proper measures to secure the child in a safety seat or any sort of seatbelt, the family said.

According to Depoe, witnesses shared that another car switched into Alexander's lane while they both were driving along Route 73 at high speeds.

"I was told that a black pickup truck hit the Jeep and then drove away," Depoe added.

Objects were also believed to be thrown between the vehicles at each other while on the road.

The driver of the other car reportedly hit the Jeep and caused it to flip multiple times and lose its rear door.

Alana was then ejected to an area that was around 20 feet away as the SUV continued to roll.

She was airlifted to Cooper Trauma Center, suffered multiple brain bleeds, and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Alana was put on life support on June 1 and died on June 4 with her mom by her side.

"A 5-year-old girl who should be enjoying her childhood, making memories with her family, and growing up alongside her siblings is gone forever," the family added.

The driver was rescued from the Jeep by fire officials and taken to Cooper University Hospital with serious but non-critical injuries, authorities added.

Two other adults who were in the vehicle were also hurt. The status of their injuries is unclear.

"We are seeking accountability from every individual whose actions or negligence may have contributed to the events that led to Alana's death," Schreiber added.

No charges have been filed at this time. Toxicology reports and other findings are still being reviewed, the Prosecutor's Office said.

A visitation for Alana was held on Tuesday at Jackson Funeral Home with a memorial service that followed.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her memory to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center (125 County House Rd., Blackwood).

An online fundraiser to help with funeral costs and support for her three siblings was also organized by Alana's grandmother.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $10,500 has been raised.

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