Fatal Crash Still Under Investigation

Florham Park police are still investigating a fatal car collision that took place in June on Ridgedale Avenue near Mann Avenue.

John Casalaspi, 83, of East Hanover, was a passenger in a two-car collision who died of injuries sustained in the crash, and five others were transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital for injuries or complaints of pain.

Mary Casalaspi, 78, of East Hanover was driving south on Ridgedale Avenue in a 2010 Honda Accord with her husband John in the passenger seat, Florham Park Capt. Robert Treiber said. At the same time, Victor Alvarez-Tlatenchi, 46, of Paterson was driving north on Ridgedale Avenue in a 2001 Ford F-450 with an attached trailer.

Treiber said Mary Casalaspi drifted into the northbound lane, and her car hit the truck driven by Alvarez-Tlatenchi, who turned to try to avoid the collision.

The Casalaspis were trapped in their vehicle and had to be extracted before they could be transported to the hospital. Mary Casalaspi's condition was not immediately known, Treiber said.

The Traffic Safety Unit of the Florham Park Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Vehicular Homicide Unit are investigating the accident. Treiber said an exact cause has not yet been determined.