OLDMANS TWP., NJ — A 28-year-old Salem County woman was killed Wednesday evening after being struck by a passing SUV on Interstate 295 shortly after being involved in a crash, New Jersey State Police said.
Ruth Melnichuck was heading home from work when she was involved in a two-vehicle collision on the southbound side of I-295 near Straughns Mill Road in Oldmans Township, according to police. Both vehicles stopped on the left shoulder, and Melnichuck exited her car.
Police said she entered a lane of travel and was hit by a southbound SUV. Troopers responded to the scene around 7 p.m. Melnichuck was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident remains under investigation. Authorities have not released further information about the crash or the driver of the SUV.
Melnichuck’s family shared a public tribute through a GoFundMe campaign, describing her as a generous woman with a soft spot for animals. “She had an especially soft heart for animals and absolutely loved her doggies, Dino and Lilli, who she rescued,” the post read. “And of course her cat, Lana.”
Family still reeling from earlier loss
The Melnichuck family is also mourning the loss of Ruth’s brother, Vlad, who died in January 2024. “This all seems very unreal and leaves us in an unexplainable state of confusion,” the fundraiser stated. “We are still trying to heal & struggling to pick up all the pieces.”
Ruth had recently purchased a home in Salem and made sure it included a yard for her pets. Her family is now faced with caring for her animals and finalizing funeral arrangements.
A Bible verse shared by the family read: “If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)
Key Points
- Ruth Melnichuck, 28, was fatally struck on I-295 after exiting her vehicle following a crash.
- The crash occurred near Straughns Mill Road in Oldmans Township around 7 p.m. Wednesday.
- Melnichuck is remembered by family as a kind-hearted animal lover and devoted sister.
The loss marks the second tragedy for the Melnichuck family in just over a year.