In the wake of a deadly NJ Transit crash that claimed the life of a beloved train operator, the family of the victim, 41-year-old Jessica Haley, is preparing to take legal action against multiple entities they believe are responsible for her tragic death. On the morning of October 14, 2024, a southbound NJ Transit train traveling on the River Line struck a fallen tree near Roebling Station in Mansfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. The crash resulted in the death of Haley and injured at least 23 passengers. Now, in a move that signals their intent to seek justice, Haley’s family has notified officials of their plan to file a lawsuit against NJ Transit, the Southern New Jersey Rail Group, Alstom Transportation, and other parties involved.
Jessica Haley, a mother of three young boys from Levittown, Pennsylvania, was killed instantly when the train she was operating collided with the tree on the tracks. As news of the crash spread, the focus quickly shifted from mourning the loss of life to uncovering the systemic failures that may have contributed to the tragedy. The Haley family, through their attorneys at Philadelphia-based law firm Anapol Weiss, has made it clear that they believe this was not merely a freak accident but the result of years of negligence and disregard for safety warnings along the River Line corridor.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
On that fateful Monday morning, passengers on NJ Transit’s River Line train heading southbound from Trenton to Camden were jolted from their seats as the train slammed into a large tree obstructing the tracks. The force of the impact was devastating, especially for those seated in the front cars near the operator’s cabin, where Haley was stationed. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, working to extract passengers from the wreckage and provide medical attention. Some passengers sustained broken bones, lacerations, and concussions, while others were treated for shock and emotional trauma.
Among the chaos, it became clear that Haley, a veteran train operator with two decades of experience, had not survived the crash. Her death sent shockwaves through the community, especially for those who knew her as a dedicated professional and a devoted mother to her three boys. The grief over her loss has only been compounded by the growing sense that her death could have been prevented.
The Family’s Legal Battle Begins
Late Monday night, attorney Kila Baldwin of Anapol Weiss released documents confirming that the Haley family intends to sue multiple parties connected to the operation and maintenance of the River Line. These parties include NJ Transit, the Southern New Jersey Rail Group (a consortium responsible for managing the River Line), and Alstom Transportation, the company that had contracted with NJ Transit to operate the trains.
The family alleges that systemic failures in tree maintenance, track safety, and overall negligence led to Jessica Haley’s death. In a statement accompanying the legal documents, Baldwin emphasized that the lawsuit is about holding those responsible accountable for years of ignored safety concerns along the River Line. According to Baldwin, Jessica Haley and other conductors had raised concerns about the dangerous conditions near Roebling Station long before the fatal crash occurred.
“Jessica Haley’s two sisters, Rebecca and Sarah, both of whom also work for Alstom as train conductors, have firsthand knowledge of the issues along this section of the River Line,” Baldwin explained. “For years, they and other employees warned about the risk posed by overgrown trees and debris falling onto the tracks. These warnings went unheeded. Now, a family is left without a mother, and her three young boys have lost the most important person in their lives because the system failed to act.”
Rebecca Haley, one of Jessica’s sisters, has been named as the administratrix of her estate and is expected to take a leading role in the family’s pursuit of justice. In her statement, Rebecca Haley did not hold back in describing the frustrations she and her sister faced while working on the River Line.
“Jessica loved her job, but she always worried about the condition of the tracks, especially in areas like Roebling where the trees hung dangerously close,” Rebecca said. “We knew it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. I can’t believe it had to be my sister.”
Long-Standing Concerns and Neglect
The family’s lawsuit will likely center on years of alleged neglect by NJ Transit and other entities responsible for the maintenance of the River Line. According to Rebecca Haley, train operators had routinely reported trees and debris on or near the tracks in the months and years leading up to the crash. In some cases, fallen trees had even caused minor accidents, though none had resulted in fatalities—until now.
In the documents released by the family’s attorneys, it was revealed that trees along the River Line were marked with “X” symbols to indicate which ones posed a threat to the railway. However, many of these marked trees were never removed, leaving hazardous conditions in place for years. Additionally, a recent landslide in the area had prompted the construction of a small retaining wall to prevent further debris from falling onto the tracks, but this was only done in a limited section of the line. The section where Jessica Haley’s train crashed had no such protection.
“These trees were a ticking time bomb,” Baldwin stated in the legal notice. “It’s inexcusable that nothing was done to mitigate the risks, especially after so many warnings from the conductors themselves. Jessica Haley’s death was preventable, and the companies involved must be held accountable for their failure to act.”
The family’s lawsuit is expected to seek compensation for both wrongful death and emotional distress, although the specific amount remains undisclosed. In the legal documents, the family notes that “the amount for pain and suffering is not presently ascertainable,” leaving open the possibility of a substantial claim.
NJ Transit’s Response and the Ongoing Investigation
NJ Transit has so far declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing company policy not to discuss active legal matters. However, the agency did release a brief statement offering condolences to Haley’s family and vowing to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jessica Haley, and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the NJ Transit spokesperson said. “We are committed to working with investigators to determine the cause of this tragic accident and to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees moving forward.”
In the days following the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a formal investigation into the incident. The NTSB is expected to examine a wide range of factors, including the condition of the tracks, the integrity of the trees and surrounding landscape, and any communication issues that may have contributed to the crash. Investigators will also be analyzing the train’s event recorder, which captures data on speed, braking, and other operational details in the moments leading up to the crash.
Early reports indicate that investigators are still trying to determine the precise role the fallen tree played in the accident. It is unclear whether the tree was already lying on the tracks when the train approached or if it fell directly onto the train as it passed. Either way, the tree’s presence on the tracks was enough to cause a fatal collision.
A Family and Community in Mourning
For Jessica Haley’s family, the pain of her loss is still fresh, and the road ahead is likely to be long and arduous. Haley leaves behind three sons, all under the age of 12, who now face the daunting prospect of growing up without their mother. Friends and neighbors from Levittown have rallied around the family, offering support in the form of meal trains, donations, and emotional comfort. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help cover funeral costs and provide for Haley’s children has already raised thousands of dollars.
“We’re doing what we can to help, but there’s really nothing that can take away the pain they’re feeling right now,” said a family friend who wished to remain anonymous. “Jessica was such a loving mother, and those boys adored her. It’s just heartbreaking.”
The crash has also sparked concern among fellow NJ Transit employees, many of whom share the Haley family’s frustrations over safety conditions on the River Line. Several train operators, speaking on condition of anonymity, have come forward to voice their concerns about the lack of maintenance and proactive safety measures along the tracks. Some have echoed Rebecca Haley’s account, confirming that tree hazards have been a longstanding issue.
“We’ve been worried about those trees for a long time,” one NJ Transit employee said. “It’s not just this one area. There are other sections of the line where the trees are too close, and nothing’s been done about it. We all knew something like this could happen.”
Broader Implications for NJ Transit and Rail Safety
The Haley family’s lawsuit, combined with the NTSB investigation, could have far-reaching implications for NJ Transit and the broader rail industry. If negligence is proven, it could lead to significant changes in how NJ Transit manages the safety and maintenance of its lines, particularly in areas prone to natural hazards like falling trees and landslides.
Experts in transportation law note that this case may serve as a turning point for NJ Transit, which has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of safety issues and infrastructure maintenance. “This lawsuit has the potential to shine a spotlight on systemic problems within NJ Transit,” said a legal analyst familiar with the case. “If these safety concerns were widely known and nothing was done, that could open the door to more lawsuits and possibly even federal intervention.”
For now, the Haley family’s focus remains on seeking justice for Jessica and ensuring that her death leads to meaningful changes. As the legal process unfolds, they hope that her story will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety, accountability, and the need to listen to those on the front lines who see the risks every day.
As they prepare for the difficult legal battle ahead, Jessica Haley’s family remains united in their determination to honor her memory and protect others from suffering the same fate.
