Tragedy on Route 280: Father Killed, Son Critically Injured in Horrific Crash; Driver Charged

LIVINGSTON, NJ – A pall of grief hangs heavy over Essex County following a horrific collision on Route 280 West that claimed the life of a loving father and left his precious 3-year-old son fighting for his life. Authorities have now apprehended and charged the man allegedly responsible for this unspeakable tragedy, bringing a glimmer of justice to a community reeling from loss.

The devastating incident unfolded around 7:00 PM on the evening of October 27, 2023, near Exit 4A in Livingston.

According to statements from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Ariel Ledesma, 31, of Bloomfield, was driving his Toyota Corolla with his young son, Ariel Ledesma Jr., in the back seat. Their lives were irrevocably altered when their vehicle was violently struck by a Nissan Altima, allegedly driven by Roderick Kennedy, 41, of East Orange.

The force of the impact was catastrophic.

Investigators detailed how Kennedy’s Nissan veered into Ledesma’s Corolla, shunting it into the median barrier. The Corolla then tragically ricocheted off the barrier, spinning across the westbound lanes before colliding with a tree. The scene was one of utter devastation, prompting an immediate and urgent response from emergency services.

First responders arrived to a heartbreaking sight.

Ariel Ledesma Sr. was pronounced dead at the scene, his life cruelly cut short. His innocent 3-year-old son, Ariel Jr., was found suffering from severe, critical injuries. He was rushed to University Hospital in Newark, where he remains in intensive care, battling for survival as his family and an entire community pray for his recovery.

Roderick Kennedy, the driver of the Nissan Altima, was also injured in the crash and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Following a thorough investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Livingston Police Department, Kennedy was arrested and faces a litany of grave charges that underscore the severity of his alleged actions.

The charges against Kennedy include death by auto, aggravated assault with a vehicle, and endangering the welfare of a child – all second-degree offenses.

Additionally, he faces multiple motor vehicle summonses, including driving while intoxicated (DWI), which is believed to be a contributing factor in this horrific crash. The exact circumstances leading to the collision, including Kennedy's alleged impairment, are still under intensive investigation.

Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens emphasized the commitment to a thorough and just legal process, stating that the charges reflect the profound loss and the critical injuries sustained.

Kennedy is currently being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility, awaiting a detention hearing where a judge will determine if he poses a flight risk or a danger to the community, and whether he will remain incarcerated without bail.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and alleged impaired operation.

As the Ledesma family grapples with unimaginable grief and anxiety over their young son’s condition, the community unites in sorrow, hoping for justice and offering solace during this profoundly difficult time. The road to healing will be long, but the pursuit of accountability for this senseless loss continues relentlessly.