1 killed in Green Pond crash; DWI charged Three children also injured in Thursday night crash
DAILY RECORD STAFF REPORT
ROCKAWAY TWP. -- A 39-year-old woman was killed Thursday in a head-on collision on Green Pond Road in which the other driver was charged with driving drunk.
Carla Guidice of Rockaway Township was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:45 p.m. by the Morris County Medical Examiner, according to police.
According to Rockaway Township Police, Guidice was driving her 2002 Chevrolet Venture northbound on Green Pond Road shortly before 10 p.m. when a southbound 1996 Ford Explorer driven by Dianne A. McCarroll, 45, also of Rockaway Township, crossed the center lines and collided head-on with Guidice's vehicle.
McCarroll was charged with DWI and reckless driving, according to police. She was taken to St. Clare's Hospital for leg injuries.
Three children -- a 15-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and a 3-year-old child -- also were injured in the crash, although it was unclear this morning which vehicles the children were riding in. The teens were taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital with shoulder injuries. The 3-year-old was taken to St. Clare's for observation.
The investigation is continuing.
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
Speaking with a Township road crew, the details are far to gory to post. Shivers run up and down my spine just typing it out here. That could have been my family that drunk driver hit as we had been down Green Pond Road earlier that evening. My prayers go out to the family of the victims.
Yikes! What a terrible shame. All of us living in RT have come to know just how dangerous GPR is. There have been a number of fatalities there since we have been living in town. It is a twisty, kinky, high speed road as you all know. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Carla's family.
When I saw the topic on this post, I said; god please dont let this be someone I know. Unfortuneltally that was not the case. Carla was a good person and single Mom who did a great job raising her kids.
MrBill, Thank you for that additional tidbit of information, although I really could have done without it. I am guessing her 2 teenage children who were in the car witnessed that.
The family had lived across from my office until last year. This is just too sad for words. They were so close to home and a drunk driver crosses their path.
The little girl appears to be in bad shape, the DR ommitted her from the article, she is in 5th grade at KDM. The older kids have a long road ahead of them. These are the times communities need to pull together and do what ever we can to make their lives a little easier.
There is also a very sad little victim here, the 3 yr old girl. She has lost her mother too. I have no sympathy for a drunk driver but my heart breaks for this little girl.
Green Pond Rd is dangerous with out being drunk...what was she thinking?!?
-- Edited by Lisa Salberg at 16:51, 2006-09-08
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
BR wrote: When I saw the topic on this post, I said; god please dont let this be someone I know. Unfortuneltally that was not the case. Carla was a good person and single Mom who did a great job raising her kids.
MrBill, Thank you for that additional tidbit of information, although I really could have done without it. I am guessing her 2 teenage children who were in the car witnessed that.
Too bad the chimes of the church aren't still ringing. It would be very befitting. Remember everyone there was a victim. "but for the grace of God goes I". Pray for all involved. This will have everlasting damage to all.
9/8/06 - Posted from the Daily Record newsroom Advertisement
1 killed in Green Pond crash; DWI charged Four children also injured in Thursday night crash, 1 critical
BY MATT MANOCHIO DAILY RECORD
ROCKAWAY TWP. -- A 39-year-old woman was killed Thursday in a head-on collision on Green Pond Road in which the other driver was charged with driving drunk.
Carla Guidice of Rockaway Township was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:45 p.m. by the Morris County Medical Examiner, according to police.
According to Rockaway Township Police, Guidice was driving her 2002 Chevrolet Venture northbound on Green Pond Road shortly before 10 p.m. when a southbound 1996 Ford Explorer driven by Dianne A. McCarroll, 45, also of Rockaway Township, crossed the center lines and collided head-on with Guidice's vehicle.
McCarroll was charged with DWI and reckless driving, according to police. She was taken to St. Clare's Hospital for leg injuries. McCarroll was driving with her 3-year-old daughter, who was taken to St. Clare's hospital for observation and released, Police Chief Walter Kimble said.
Kimble declined to say whether McCarroll could be charged with any further violations.
"That's the only statement we're going to make at this time regarding the charges," he said Friday morning, adding that he was on his way to further inspect the vehicles involved in the wreck.
Guidice's three children -- a 15-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl -- also were injured in the crash. The 10-year-old girl was listed in critical condition at Morristown Memorial Hospital, a spokeswoman said, adding that information about the other two children was not available, but police said they were taken there for shoulder injuries.
The 3-year-old was taken to St. Clare's for observation.
A family friend said that Guidice worked at Hackettstown-based Compac Corp.
The investigation is continuing.
For more on this story, see tomorrow's Daily Record.
I spoke with my daughter today about this and she sid an announcement was made at KDM about the 5th grader. She is a friend of my daughters. I know as a mother, what I felt as my daugther went thru her illness. This young girl could wake up wanting her mother! What is she going to do?????? We will keep them in our prayers.....
Here is the latest news. I am really hoping that more charges will be filed against the drunk driver as it stands she can walk away with minor traffice charges. In cases like this manslaughter charges are warrented. -Lisa
**************************
Rockaway Twp. mom killed, kids hurt in car crash Saturday, September 09, 2006 BY PAULA SAHA Star-Ledger Staff A Rockaway Township mother died and her three children were injured Thursday night after her vehicle was hit head-on by a drunken driver along a steep curve of Green Pond Road, authorities said yesterday.
Carla Guidice, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:45 p.m., police said. Guidice, her three children in tow, was driving her 2002 Chevrolet Venture north when a 1996 Ford Explorer heading south crossed the double line and hit her car head-on, police said.
Guidice's 10-year-old daughter, identified by friends as Clarissa, was flown by helicopter to Morristown Memorial Hospital on Thursday night, police said. Yesterday, she remained in serious condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Guidice's 14-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter -- whom friends identified as Nicholas and Rebecca -- were taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital for shoulder injuries. Their conditions could not be confirmed yesterday.
The driver of the Explorer, Dianne A. McCarroll, was charged with reckless driving and driving while intoxicated, police said. She went to Saint Clare's Hospital for leg injuries, police said.
McCarroll's 3-year-old daughter also was in the car, police said. Reached yesterday by phone, McCarroll's husband Tom said his daughter was doing all right, and that he was "sorry for the other people involved in this tragedy."
The circumstances of the accident are under investigation, Rockaway Township Police Chief Walter Kimble said.
In the meantime, Carla Guidice's friends remembered her as an upbeat, energetic person who put her children above all else. Guidice had lived in Rockaway Township for several years, they said, most recently in the Marcella section.
"She was very proud of her children," said Teri Rosenski of Rockaway Township, who came to know Guidice through their children; her 10-year-old son was good friends with Guidice's daughter, both students at the Katharine D. Malone Elementary School.
On Labor Day weekend, Rosenski said, Clarissa was one of several area kids who came over to their house for a party. Guidice was a very involved mother, Rosenski added. "When I would go somewhere, I could count on seeing Carla there," she said.
Brenda Budd, owner of the Sunrise Sunset Daycare center, echoed those thoughts. Guidice had been bringing her children to the center for the last several years, she said.
"They were a great family," she said. "The kids are very respectful, very kind. She raised great children.
Budd said she and her staff were extremely upset upon hearing the news. She kept remembering how Guidice would drop Clarissa off in the mornings, and how attached the little girl was to her mother.
"Clarissa would always be sad when her mom was leaving," she said.
At Katharine D. Malone school yesterday, Principal Steve Gottlieb said school counselors from around the district were called in to talk with upset students, "especially fifth-grade students who know (Clarissa)."
"We're all hoping and praying that she's going to be OK," Gottlieb said.
The accident happened on "steep, sweeping curve" on Green Pond Road just south of Lake Denmark Road, said Rockaway Township Mayor Louis Sceusi. He said he knew Guidice personally, though not extremely well. Yesterday, he saw the cars involved.
The damage to both vehicles, he said, "was some of the worst I've ever seen."
He also commended the township police, fire department and ambulance squads on their response to the horrific scene. "I'm proud of them," he said.
Paula Saha covers the Rockaways. She may be reached at psaha@starledger.com or (973) 539-7910.
I recall the Mom from Randolph who was killed at a Rt 10 intersection a few years ago by a DD. Does anyone remember what that driver was senteced to? That story had an even sadder ending when the father was killed near the same spot while jogging one morning about a year or 2 later (not by a DD).
PS: once again, the Daily Record can take a lesson from the Star Ledger on investigative jounalism. Bravo Paula Saha for reporting the human side of this tragic story and portraying Carla for the person she was and not just a victim.
I do not remember what happened there, I do recall the case in Kinnalon where the 2 girls were killed. The community there was in shock when that drunk hit the 2 girls walking to the movies. They tossed the book at him. I hope they do the same for this case. What is sad is that there has to be so much discussion about it, in my opinion you drink and drive you should be charged with attempted murder even without having an accident. Driving a car drunk is no different then playing with a loaded gun. Let this event be a wake up call to everyone. Lets all band together and promise we will not let out friends and family members drink and drive. Lisa
ROCKAWAY TWP. -- Carla Erin Guidice died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. She was 39.
Born in Belleville, she lived in Rockaway Township for the last seven years.
Ms. Guidice was a customer service representative with Compac Corp. in Hackettstown.
She previously worked as an executive assistant in the advertising department for Prudential Life Insurance Co., Newark.
She is survived by her three children, Rebecca, Nicholas and Clarissa Schmidt, all at home; her parents, Carl Guidice of Delray Beach, Fla., and Anna Capawana of Elmira, N.Y.; her sister, Sheila Guidice of Corning, N.Y.; three brothers, Joseph Capawana, Daniel Capawana and his wife, Michelle, all of Elmira, N.Y., and Thomas Capawana and his wife, Bridget of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; and the grandfather of her children, John Schmidt.
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
I heard Dianne McCarroll had a blood alcohol level of .25! This is no social drinker. And who was she drinking with that let her leave with a 3 year old child in the car. They should both hang.
Carla has been like family to me for the past 4 years. I know her and her children. What has happened to her is wrong. Yes, the fact that the other driver blew a .25 is very true. She was actually coming back from one of her relative's homes. Why this family would let her drive in this condition, WITH A 3-YEAR-OLD IN THE CAR, is beyond me. It is truly a shame and Carla will be missed terribly. Hopefully, for the sake of her children at least, justice will prevail.
Cubanspike, Welcome to the board. I am very sorry you lost your friend. When Carla lived in Hibernia my office was across the street, I saw her often but never had the chance to know her well. She always looked happy with her children and this is what I will always remember.
Her death was so tragic and it could have been anyone of us that night - all due to the actions of one person who didnt even care about her own daughter.
If there is anything we as a community can do, say the word and we are there. If the family thinks it will help for the community to speak out to ensure the drunk driver is held accountable, let us know. Thanks to all the wonderful support we have had in Voices of Rockaway Twp. we have emails of hundereds of are residents, we are happy to spread a message if need be.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Clarrisa, Rebecca, Nick and all Carlas friends and family.
Sincerely, Lisa
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
As Carla's sister, I'm taking the opportunity to thank you all for your love and support through this difficult time. Our family is so very grateful for the kindness and concern of everyone that was touched by my beautiful sister in some way. I've never seen a community so supportive. As they say about 9/11, "We will never forget."
Our family is going to come through this with your prayers. Clarissa is where she needs to be with the proper care-takers, including the medical team, our family, our friends, and her father, who is watching over her with undying devotion. Her sister and brother are inspiration to us all.
Please understand our need for privacy at this moment. Only God has the answers. You are wise to spread the word against DWI- a never ending battle.
I will not be adding comments to this post again, but will certainly be watching so that our strength will continue to thrive.
Carla was more than a friend, Carla and the children were my family in all that counts. We have people enter our lives that change our lives forever, that is what Carla did for me. Her positive look on everything, her take charge mentality, her beautiful smile that is a beautiful memory for me.
You said in one of your postings what can you do to help. There will be several fund raisers for the children. One is already set up for Oct 15 at the Marcella Community Center. Spread the word help us take care the notifications.
Can you provide me with some more information on the event? Include the time, what will be going on, who should attend (Families - adults only), and what the funds will be used for ( I assume a scholarship for the kids?) and where people can send funds if they can not attend. I will make up a flier and email it to the list we have. We also have many people on our list that may want to hand things out.
My number is in the book if you need any thing else! Please send me the details and I will get to work on this for you!
We are more than happy to help in anyway we can.
Best wishes, Lisa
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
I have no idea who this poster is, I will assume that this is real information from a family memeber. Lets hope Clarrisa is out of the hospital very soon! ********************
9538.1. update by njishome, 9/18/06 14:58 ET Re: Clarissa by ConoPavone, 9/18/06 Yes, Clarissa is doing much better, sitting up, talking, she recognizes her family and was writing her name. She still needs surgery but we are very thankful and hopeful that she is now on her way to recovery. Please pass the good news on to her classmates and friends and continue to send positive vibes!! ******************
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
Actually you should contact Vitta the Superintendant, I am sure he will help too, but that will only get to families with kids. We need more than that!
Lisa
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
I just spoke to Terri at Torpedo Joes, she is planning a little event for Sunday to raise funds for Carlas kids. It is the Bikini Top, Ice Pop, Pizza Party. She is still working out the details, but is looking for moms willing to help out (bikini tops prefered).
Bring the family out of Sunday and see what she has planned!
Lisa
__________________
The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
My girlfriend left my house this night heading to route 80. She lives in harrison. Every time she leaves here I tell her drive safely (greenpond scares me). This night, she arrived back at my house completely in shock. She came upon this accident moments after it had happened. The drunk woman apparently could not stand up so my girlfriend put her in the backseat of her car to wait until the police arrived. She was barely aware of her injuries she was so drunk. She was completely disoriented and had no idea what was going on. My girlfriend had to leave her car because it smelled so badly of alcohol. My gf walked up to the wreck to try to help. There were no policemen there. Just a girl screaming for her mom, a boy pulling her other unconscious sister from the car (who eventually woke up), their mother and my GF, who by luck missed this same fate by minutes. I have been following this since it happened because it has hit so close to home and it has traumatized my girlfriend. I have been indirectly affected by it. I want people to understand how dangerous driving is period. TODAY i drove past a wreck on route 23 north. I have to shake my head because I know these are not "accidents". It is within our own control to prevent these things from happening. I wish I could rewind time and change that night. I wish my gf didn't see any of that, and that this family didn't have this happen to them. I found this forum today and decided to post. im sorry if its in bad taste, but if you all are from this area, maybe it will influence you to pay attention, dont tailgate me all the way down greenpond, DONT drink and drive and just drive safely. please.
