Newark, NJ — August 25, 2026, Ayesha Wright and Kendra Rouse were killed in a truck accident at about 9:10 a.m. on Phillipsburg-Newark Expressway/Interstate 78.
Authorities said a Chevrolet sedan was stopped in the left lane near at mile marker 56.8 when it was hit by an eastbound Mack semi-truck hauling a utility trailer. The truck tried to swerve to avoid the collision, but ended up overturning onto the car.
Both women in the Chevrolet — driver Ayesha Wright, 42, and passenger Kendra Rouse, 25 — died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to authorities.
The truck driver suffered minor injuries, authorities said.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Essex County crash at this time.