UPDATED: Man, 22, Killed in Valley Road Accident
Park Ridge man was pronounced dead at the scene of the two-car crash Wednesday night.
A 22-year-old man was killed in a two-vheicle crash on Valley Road shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday night, Wayne Police said.
The man was identified as Devin Okeefe, of Park Ridge, who was traveling North on Valley Road when his 1998 Acura crossed over to the southbound lane and crashed into a BMW, Sgt. Joseph Duncan said in a statement issued by the police department’s Traffic Bureau Thursday morning.
Paramedics from St. Joseph's Hospital and the Wayne First Aid Squad rendered aid to Okeefe, but he died from his injuries at the scene, Duncan said.
A doctor from St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson pronounced Okeefe dead at the scene, Duncan said.
The driver of the BMW, Dominick Capone, 20, of Woodland Park, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and treated for minor injuries, police said.
The accident occurred between Ratzer Road and Hamburg Turnpike near the Ramapo Shopping Plaza. Glass was spread across Valley Road. Airbags in the two vehicles were deployed.
Part of Valley Road was closed to traffic Wednesday night while the accident was being investigated.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office and the traffic bureau are investigating the crash.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash should contact the traffic bureau at 973-633-3520.
D.A.
9:05 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Worse road in Wayne, lower the speed limit !!!!
eyes wide shut
9:34 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Cars fly up and down Valley Rd. No one goes by the speed limit. Perhaps some speed traps and a radar gun and patrol would help? Try making a left hand turn out onto Valley, one can spend an eternity. Maybe some help from the COUNTY Sheriff's Dept would help? 60 mph is more the norm on Valley..
Ruth McNelis
11:26 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
ENFORCE the speed limit!
George
11:26 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Very sad and tragic to hear another young life lost. I feel for his parents. I do agree Valley Road is the worst road in Wayne for safety. Safety should be number one priority. What I would do is lower speed limit to 35mph AND I would change the traffic pattern to 3 lanes with the center a turning lane, exactly as it is on the newly paved Ratzer section. I do no care if it causes traffic backups. Valley Rd presently is a super highway, with no shoulder when it should be Main Street USA. There are schools, churches, libraries, homes, pedestrians and bicyclists and is no place to have cars traveling 60 miles an hour and changing lanes. Keep all the cars in a single lane with the center for turning.
Pat
12:02 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
I agree and obnoxious drivers on your butt because you are following the speed limit.
Alejandro
2:06 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
To Pat, follow the speed limit and move to the right lane, leave the right lane clear for people who need to pass you.
Bill
11:31 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
RIP.
John Davies
12:08 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
I think George is right.
IHHS08
12:11 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
RIP Devin, love you always
Lory
4:22 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Devin was an amazing young man. He is loved by many and his death has left, all that knew him, devasted. I will remember you always cousin. oxox
Jim
4:28 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
The solution is to have barriers in the middle of the road. So many people have been killed there yet no barriers for valley road have been installed. Why is that. I have been in this town since 1972 and my HS year I can think of three people killed alone.
still in town 78
5:02 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Speed limits are not the problem. Distracted and Unsafe drivers are. Not just young drivers either there are plenty of middle age and older drivers are just as or more dangerous then the new drivers.
fboy1932
9:47 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
I feel horrible for this poor kid..my condolences to the family. Yes I do agree Valley Rd is dangerous, maybe something can be done to slow the flow...maybe adding another light?
Mary Cunningham Hilla
12:16 am on Friday, September 21, 2012
Mary
Devin was a kind generous, good natured person and will be missed sorely...Love You So Much Dev !!!
Virginia Catherine
9:08 am on Friday, September 21, 2012
I am very sad to know that this young man didn't make it. I was at the scene of the accident and was praying while the paramedics where trying to revive him. God bless his soul and I pray the angels of God took him to his heavenly home. I wish peace for his family and that they know there will be a wonderful reunion one day for all those who trust in the Lord Jesus.
Daenerys Targaryen
3:11 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
Virginia, thank you so much for your prayers and condolences for Devin and his family. I am mourning over the loss of one of my best friends and it is very much appreciated for all your kind words. Rest in Peace, Devin O'keefe. You were an amazing person with a beautiful soul. You will forever be missed by your friends and family. We all love you.
Warren Hilla
7:42 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Virginia
Thank You So Much for your condolences.
Mary
Virginia Catherine
12:30 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Daenerys, I am so very sorry about the loss of your dear friend and am praying for you and his family during this very difficult time. It sounds like Devin was truly a blessing to everyone in his life.
Mary Cunningham Hilla
9:34 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Dear Virginia
On behalf of the family of our beloved Devin, I would personally like to thank you for all your kinds words and prayers ! We are in terrible pain right now at the loss of Devin. Its kind people like you, that we don't even know that give us hope and strength to get through this. Please continue to pray for our family and for Devin. Thank You and God Bless You !!
George Hering
9:58 am on Saturday, September 22, 2012
Hey "Unreal this town"-before you open your BIG mouth and add to a family's pain-KNOW THE FACTS. You know the saying about when you "assume"-you make an "ASS of U and ME"
George Hering
Warren Hilla
7:30 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Thank You George !! I hate it when people just assume without knowing the facts, which I DO know !!
Mary
VeggieLvr
6:10 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012
So sorry for the loss of Devin - your son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, friend. May all your memories of his vibrant life comfort you during this very sad time, may he rest in peace.
Kathy
11:01 pm on Saturday, September 22, 2012
It's NOT the speed limit......It's the driver...be cautious.....I have a little girl and do the speed limit but I see people texting in mirror etc....I am cautious but what I see is unbelievable....PAY ATTENTION or it will cost u your life and then someone else's...All I care about is the precious life in my back seat.............
John Davies
2:01 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Please read carefully and you will notice that Kathy did not say anything at all about Devin O'Keefe or his driving. She was commenting on the topic raised by the remarks made by others about the fact that people drive too fast on Valley Road. Then, she spoke about her own observations of other drivers. She never said a thing about Mr. O'Keefe.
Warren Hilla
7:41 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Kathy
Know the facts first before you post things like "it's the driver... All we all care about are the lives of our children. Devin was precious to us and we will be lost without him.
Mary
Daenerys Targaryen
6:33 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Kathy,
If you have nothing nice to say don't say it. You don't known Devin nor do you know the pain and grief the friends and family are going through and your negative comments are only making things worse. Keep your thoughts to yourself next time, thanks.
susan okeefe
5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
you unrealthistown fyi my son was not texting ,nor drinking ,and wearing a seatbelt so stop assuming ahole and get an f%$#n life and but out of mine!!!!!!!!!!
susan okeefe
5:02 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
And an other note to kathy!!! you need toget the facts !!!!my son for your information didnt have a phone call or text come into his phone .my son was a very cautious driver!!!! so keep your stupid thoughts to your self because your wrong!
susan okeefe
5:05 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
thank you to all the support that i have been getting . its unbelievable the out pouring of support.and as for those who speculate well thats just what your doing.i think you owe an apology to me because i do know what happened and those of you do not!!
Patty Voglino
8:52 am on Friday, October 12, 2012
It's terrible that a young man died. My heart goes out to his mother. I myself live on Valley Road and I have always compared it to Rt. 80. I hate it with a passion.
Patty Voglino
9:37 am on Friday, October 12, 2012
So sad that a young man lost his life. My heart goes out to his mother. I live on Valley Rd. and hate it w a passion. I have always compared it to Rt. 80.