Perth Amboy Woman Charged for Drunk Wrong-Way Turnpike Crash That Killed Motorcyclist

Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa, 25, is wanted by police after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a fatal accident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered motorcycle part, such as a mirror or turn signal lens, lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty aftermath of a fatal drunk driving collision.The aftermath of a tragic drunk driving crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike exposes the harsh realities of the dangers of impaired driving.Allentown Today

A 25-year-old woman from Perth Amboy, New Jersey is accused of driving drunk the wrong way on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, causing a crash that killed a 50-year-old motorcyclist. Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa, whose last known address was in Allentown, PA, is currently at large after a warrant was issued for her arrest on charges including vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and DUI.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing dangers of drunk driving and the need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk. The case also raises questions about how to better prevent wrong-way driving incidents on highways, which are a leading cause of head-on collisions and fatalities.

The details

According to authorities, the fatal crash occurred around 9 a.m. on March 30, 2025 on I-476 north (the Pennsylvania Turnpike) in Washington Township, Lehigh County. Several witnesses called 911 to report that Rosario-Mesa's car was driving southbound in the northbound lanes, passing other vehicles that had pulled over to avoid a collision. Her Honda sedan then struck two motorcycles, killing 50-year-old John Sweeney Jr. and injuring another rider. Rosario-Mesa remained at the scene and admitted to troopers that she had consumed 2-3 shots of tequila, with a blood alcohol level of 0.104%.

  • The fatal crash occurred around 9 a.m. on March 30, 2025.
  • A warrant for Rosario-Mesa's arrest was issued on April 10, 2026.

The players

Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa

A 25-year-old woman originally from Perth Amboy, New Jersey whose last known address was in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is currently wanted by police on charges related to a drunk driving crash that killed a motorcyclist.

John Sweeney Jr.

A 50-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in the crash caused by Rosario-Mesa on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Gavin Holihan

The Leigh County District Attorney who charged Rosario-Mesa with multiple felonies including vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.

V. Paul Bernardino III

The Chief Deputy Leigh County District Attorney who will be prosecuting the case against Rosario-Mesa.

Brian Hrycyszn

The Pennsylvania State Police Trooper who investigated the crash.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Rosario-Mesa's bail status once she is apprehended and arraigned on the charges.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the urgent need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk on our roads. It also highlights the importance of developing better systems to prevent wrong-way driving incidents on highways, which are a leading cause of head-on collisions and fatalities.