Fatal Head-On Car Crash Leads To Charges For Union County Man

UNION COUNTY, NJ — An Elizabeth man is facing aggravated manslaughter and other charges months after a late-night crash in Elizabeth left a 51-year-old driver dead, prosecutors announced Friday.

Jorge Echeverri, 40, was charged Thursday in connection with the April 21 crash that resulted in the death of Michael Cosme, 51, of Elizabeth, according to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

The crash happened at about 11:45 p.m. on Elizabeth Avenue.

Prosecutors said Cosme was driving a black Nissan Kicks when it was hit head-on by a white Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Echeverri.

The collision sent both vehicles into several parked cars along the street, authorities said.

Cosme was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Echeverri and a passenger in the Jeep were also treated for injuries.

According to prosecutors, Echeverri had been driving under the influence of alcohol and traveling at a high rate of speed before crossing into oncoming traffic.

He was charged with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, strict liability vehicular homicide and assault by auto.

Authorities said Echeverri turned himself in Thursday and is awaiting his first court appearance.