NJ Woman Charged in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on PA Turnpike

Charges filed a year after crash that killed beloved Bristol Township motorcyclist

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered motorcycle headlight lens, the harsh flash illuminating the intricate details of the broken glass and metal, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a tragic collision.The aftermath of a fatal wrong-way crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike exposes the grim reality of the consequences of impaired driving.Allentown Today

A year after admitting she drove the wrong way on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and crashed into a group of motorcyclists, killing a 50-year-old man, a New Jersey woman has been charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, and other related offenses. The fatal crash occurred in March 2025 on the Turnpike's Northeast Extension, prompting a year-long investigation before charges were filed against Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa, 24, formerly of Perth Amboy.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, which can have devastating consequences for innocent victims. The case also underscores the complexities of investigating a fatal crash and the time it can take to build a strong legal case, even with substantial video evidence.

The details

According to authorities, on March 31, 2025, six motorcyclists were headed north on Route 476 near the Lehigh Tunnel when two of them were struck by a Honda HRV driven by Rosario-Mesa. John Sweeney, 50, of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. Rosario-Mesa remained at the crash site and told a trooper, "It's all my fault. I was tired and falling asleep. I thought I bumped into something and then woke up." She admitted to having two or three shots of tequila, and a blood test found her blood alcohol level to be 0.104 percent.

  • On March 31, 2025, the fatal crash occurred around 9:10 a.m. on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension.
  • A year later, on April 11, 2026, Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa was charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, and other related offenses.

The players

Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa

A 24-year-old former resident of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, who has been charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, and other related offenses for her role in the fatal wrong-way crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 2025.

John Sweeney

A 50-year-old motorcyclist from Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, who was killed in the crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension in 2025.

Gavin Holihan

The Lehigh Valley District Attorney who announced the charges against Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“It's all my fault. I was tired and falling asleep. I thought I bumped into something and then woke up.”

— Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa

“I hope they find her soon, it still feels like yesterday we were still on the phone talk I miss you dad.”

— John Sweeney's son

What’s next

An arrest warrant has been issued for Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa, whose last known address is in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Authorities are working to locate and apprehend her.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of impaired and reckless driving, and the importance of thorough investigations to hold those responsible accountable, even if it takes time. The loss of a beloved family member has left a lasting impact, and the community is coming together to honor the victim's memory.