Lakewood, NJ — A devastating tragedy has shaken the Ocean County community as a mother and her 11-year-old daughter, identified as Maria Pleitez and Dayanara Cortes, lost their lives in a horrific head-on crash late Saturday night, July 26, 2025. The collision, which occurred on Cross Street near Hearthstone Drive in Lakewood, has resulted in not only unimaginable heartbreak for their family, but also criminal charges for the driver allegedly responsible for the deadly impact.
A Family Torn Apart
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, at around 11:20 p.m., a Dodge Durango driven by Raul Luna-Perez, 43, of Red Bank, crossed the centerline while traveling east on Cross Street and collided head-on with a Nissan Sentra heading in the opposite direction.
Inside the Sentra were Maria Pleitez, a mother of three, and her 11-year-old daughter Dayanara Cortes, who were returning home when their lives were abruptly and violently cut short. Pleitez, who was driving, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dayanara, sitting in the front passenger seat, was transported in critical condition to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, but sadly passed away shortly after arrival.
A second 11-year-old girl, a family friend riding in the back seat, was also seriously injured in the crash. As of Sunday, she was listed in serious but stable condition.
Remembering Maria and Dayanara
Maria Pleitez was a devoted mother, a pillar of strength and kindness, and a hard-working immigrant striving to build a better future for her family. Her daughter Dayanara was described by friends as bright, artistic, and compassionate beyond her years. Together, they formed a loving bond that radiated warmth and resilience within their family and community.
A GoFundMe campaign created to support the family identified the victims and seeks to help cover funeral expenses and the repatriation of their bodies to El Salvador, their country of origin. The campaign, launched by close family friends, has also become a place for community members to leave condolences and messages of support.
The family’s tragedy deepens with the survival of Maria’s 16-year-old daughter, who is now facing the loss of both her mother and younger sister in one unimaginable night.
Charges Filed Against Suspect Driver
The driver of the Dodge Durango, Raul Luna-Perez, is facing two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of assault by auto. According to Prosecutor Billhimer, first responders noticed signs of impairment, prompting authorities to secure a court-authorized blood sample from Luna-Perez. Toxicology results are pending.
Luna-Perez was immediately taken into custody and remains held at the Ocean County Jail. His passengers — reportedly two adults — were injured, but their conditions have not been made public.
The fatal crash has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of impaired driving laws, especially in areas like Lakewood where traffic incidents have increased in recent months.
Community Support and Response
In the wake of this tragedy, the Lakewood Police Foundation and local school officials have stepped up to support the surviving members of the family. The foundation is actively collecting monetary donations to assist the 16-year-old daughter with basic needs, grief counseling, and educational support.
Police Chief Greg Meyer expressed heartfelt condolences, saying:
“The foundation and its members fully support the family who suffered the loss of both mother and daughter in this tragic incident. Our school resource supervisor has maintained close contact with the 16-year-old and is collaborating with family members to ensure she receives all necessary support.”
Counselors have also been made available at the school Dayanara attended, where classmates and teachers mourn the loss of a bright young student whose smile once lit up the classroom.
Vigil and Remembrance
Plans are underway for a candlelight vigil in memory of Maria and Dayanara, expected to be held at the site of the crash later this week. Community members, faith leaders, school staff, and family friends are preparing to gather in honor of two lives lost too soon.
What You Can Do
Donations:
•GoFundMe for funeral expenses and El Salvador repatriation
•Lakewood Police Foundation (donations toward long-term family support)
Tips or Witness Accounts:
Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have information is urged to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit or the Lakewood Township Police Department.
A Mother and Daughter, Forever Remembered
In a world often marked by chaos, the love between a mother and her child remains one of the purest bonds we know. The loss of Maria Pleitez and Dayanara Cortes is a reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for road safety, accountability, and community compassion.
Their story — though painfully tragic — is also one of strength, resilience, and unity. As their family navigates the road ahead, they do so with the support of a community that stands ready to help shoulder their burden, honor their memory, and fight for justice.
May Maria and Dayanara rest in peace, and may their surviving family find comfort and strength in the love that surrounds them.
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