Paterson, NJ Pedestrian Accident: Woman Killed at Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue

A Paterson woman died after she was struck by a vehicle near Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue in Paterson, New Jersey, on Friday, October 2, 2026, at approximately 7 p.m., according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray. Emergency responders took the woman to St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, where she was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not publicly released her name. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene following the collision. Officials have not released the driver's identity, details about the vehicle involved, or information about the circumstances leading up to the crash. As of Saturday, October 3, the investigation remains active and ongoing, led by the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office in coordination with the Paterson Police Department. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to it to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO. Our thoughts are with the woman's family, friends, and community as they cope with this loss.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred near the intersection of Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue in Paterson, the county seat of Passaic County and one of the largest cities in New Jersey. Madison Avenue is a major north-south corridor through the city, carrying a steady mix of commuter, commercial, and local traffic past densely populated residential blocks, small businesses, schools, and houses of worship. Intersecting numbered avenues in this part of Paterson connect residential neighborhoods to the city's commercial areas, creating frequent turning movements and significant pedestrian activity, particularly during evening hours. The collision occurred around 7 p.m., shortly after sunset at this time of year, when reduced daylight can affect visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Urban intersections like this one typically rely on traffic signals, stop signs, crosswalk markings, and street lighting to manage the interaction between vehicles and people on foot. Investigators have not released information about traffic controls or road conditions at the time of the crash.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under New Jersey law, drivers must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36). Because New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may apply to pedestrians struck by vehicles. That coverage may come from a household auto policy or, in some cases, from the striking vehicle's policy. When a crash results in a death, eligible family members may pursue claims under New Jersey's Wrongful Death Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1 et seq.), and the estate may pursue claims under the Survival Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-3). Recoverable damages may include medical and funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of the decedent's services, companionship, and guidance. New Jersey generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death and personal injury claims, though exceptions may apply. Families should consult qualified professionals about their specific circumstances.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• Paterson Police Department (emergencies: 911): patersonnj.gov
• Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, tips line 1-877-370-PCPO: passaiccountynj.org/prosecutor
• St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main Street, Paterson, NJ: stjosephshealth.org

Local Traffic Safety Resources

• New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety: nj.gov/oag/hts
• Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Campaign: bestreetsmartnj.org
• New Jersey Department of Transportation: nj.gov/transportation

Support Services for Accident Victims and Families

• New Jersey Victims of Crime Compensation Office: nj.gov/oag/njvictims
• Passaic County Prosecutor's Office Victim-Witness Advocacy Unit: passaiccountynj.org/prosecutor
• NJ 2-1-1, which connects callers with local support services including grief counseling (dial 2-1-1): nj211.org

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• New Jersey Statutes, Title 39 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation): lis.njleg.state.nj.us
• New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: nj.gov/mvc
• New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Auto Insurance Information: nj.gov/dobi