On June 15, 2018, the wife of New Jersey senator Bob Menendez struck and killed an 82-year-old pedestrian in a hit-and-run incident, according to The Wall Street Journal. The tragedy occurred as Menendez’s wife, Joanne, was making a left turn at the intersection of Pavonia and Woodlawn avenues in Jersey City. Police reports show that Joanne didn’t stop at the scene, as required by law, and was later identified as the driver of the vehicle.
The victim, 82-year-old John Ruiz-Abreu, had been crossing the street when he was struck by Joanne’s vehicle. After the incident was reported to the police, Menendez released a statement in which he wrote, “Paula, our three daughters and I are overwhelmed with sorrow and grief over the death of John Ruiz-Abreu. We send prayers of comfort to the Ruiz-Abreu family and friends. ”
Although initially, police were not able to identify the vehicle involved and the driver in the incident, they were able to trace it to a car owned by Joanne Menendez. Since the incident, Menendez has been silent about it and has not made any statements about the incident.
Ultimately, no charges or citations were issued to Joanne Menendez related to the incident, as an investigation determined that she had done nothing wrong. However, it is clear from this tragedy that vehicular accidents can never be taken lightly. Sen. Menendez and his wife’s thoughts are with the Ruiz-Abreu family and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident.