Camden County, NJ (September 27, 2025) – A 41-year-old man died on Thursday, September 25, after being pinned between two trucks at the Walt Whitman Service Area on the New Jersey Turnpike.
The crash happened around 9:00 p.m. on the southbound side near milepost 30.4. Authorities said Luis Santiesteban, of Yakima, Washington, was walking between two parked trucks when a semi-truck suddenly rolled forward. The truck pinned him against a nearby pickup, causing catastrophic injuries.
Witnesses rushed to help as chaos unfolded. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, worked to free Santiesteban, and rushed him to a nearby hospital. Despite every effort to save him, he died from his injuries.
Investigators stayed at the scene for several hours, collecting evidence and speaking with witnesses to understand why the semi-truck moved. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
We extend our deepest condolences to Santiesteban’s family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time.
Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey
Pedestrian accidents remain a major safety 
concern in New Jersey, especially in areas where large trucks operate. Service areas, truck stops, and busy parking lots can become dangerous when drivers fail to secure their vehicles or remain alert.
Each year, hundreds of pedestrians across the state are killed or seriously injured. Many crashes happen when trucks roll unexpectedly, when drivers are distracted, or when parking brakes fail. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make any contact catastrophic, often leading to crushing injuries, severe internal trauma, or death.
For families, the loss of a loved one in such an unexpected tragedy is overwhelming. In addition to grief, they face funeral costs, medical bills from emergency care, and the loss of financial and emotional support. While no legal action can bring someone back, a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden and hold negligent parties accountable.
Compensation may cover funeral expenses, lost income, medical costs, and emotional suffering. Insurance companies often try to limit payouts or deny responsibility, which can add even more stress to grieving families. A compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Camden County can protect your rights, investigate what happened, and pursue full and fair compensation.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we have decades of experience helping families after devastating losses. We know how life changes after a fatal accident, and we fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and seek the justice your family deserves.
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, call Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq at (800) 923-3456 today for a free, compassionate consultation. We are ready to stand with you and guide you through this challenging time.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
Disclaimer: This content is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided should be construed as legal or medical advice. Additionally, the featured image in this post is not from the actual accident scene.