Maplewood, NJ (August 4, 2025) – A tragic crash on Friday afternoon claimed the life of a 92-year-old pedestrian after a driver attempting to park at a rehabilitation facility struck her. The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. at Winchester Gardens on the 300 block of Elmwood Ave in Maplewood, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials report that the motorist lost control while attempting to park and instead drove over bushes and a grassy divider separating the facility’s parking lot from the adjacent roadway. Juli Towell, a pedestrian using a walker, was struck during the crash. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she died from her injuries approximately 45 minutes later.
The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. At this time, no charges have been filed, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Juli Towell during this heartbreaking time.
Pedestrian Safety and Driver Awareness in New Jersey Parking Areas
Parking lot accidents, while often perceived as minor, can result in devastating consequences, especially when involving vulnerable pedestrians. The heartbreaking death of Juli Towell in Maplewood underscores how quickly everyday moments can turn tragic, particularly for elderly residents relying on mobility aids like walkers.
Incidents like this one highlight the importance of heightened driver attentiveness in parking areas. Unlike roadways, parking lots are often shared by vehicles and pedestrians nearby, without clear physical separations or traffic controls. Even low-speed maneuvers like parking can result in serious injury or death when control is lost or visibility is compromised.
For facilities like Winchester Gardens that serve seniors and individuals with limited mobility, safety around drop-off areas and parking zones is especially critical. Simple precautions, such as speed-reducing infrastructure, improved signage, and physical barriers, can help prevent future tragedies.
Pedestrian fatalities in parking lots also emphasize the importance of ongoing driver education. Drivers must be prepared for sudden foot traffic and exercise extreme caution when entering or exiting spaces, particularly when elderly or disabled individuals are present.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian crash like this one in Maplewood, Local Accident Reports is here to help you through the next steps. From providing timely updates to connecting you with support resources, our team is committed to ensuring families have the information and tools they need to begin the healing process. Reach out today for compassionate guidance during this difficult time.
