Ruth Melnichuk Obituary, Death – A tragic accident along a busy Salem County highway has left a New Jersey family grieving once again. On Wednesday evening, 28-year-old Ruth Melnichuk of Salem lost her life after being struck by a vehicle along Interstate 295.
The fatal incident occurred in Oldmans Township around 7:00 p.m., prompting a swift response from New Jersey State Police. Authorities reported that Melnichuk had been involved in a minor collision with another car. Following the initial crash, both vehicles had pulled over onto the left shoulder of the southbound side of I-295.
According to police, after exiting her vehicle, Melnichuk inadvertently stepped into the active traffic lane, where she was hit by an oncoming Ford SUV. She sustained fatal injuries in the impact.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by her family revealed that Melnichuk had been driving home from work when the accident happened. She was headed to a new home in Salem, which she had only recently purchased—a milestone that marked the beginning of what was supposed to be a new and hopeful chapter in her life.
The family’s grief is compounded by a previous tragedy. Just months earlier, in January 2024, they lost Ruth’s brother. With her sudden passing, the family is now enduring their second devastating loss in less than a year.
In their fundraising appeal, the Melnichuk family described Ruth as a warm, loving individual who had a promising future ahead. Her recent home purchase was a symbol of her hard work and independence, and her death has left a void that words cannot adequately express.
“She was on her way to building a life,” the GoFundMe page states. “She had dreams, goals, and a beautiful spirit that touched everyone she met. Losing her is an unimaginable blow.”
At this time, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident. Authorities have not provided any indication as to whether charges might be considered in the future. The driver of the Ford SUV that struck Melnichuk has not been publicly identified, and no details about the driver’s condition or statements have been released.
The New Jersey State Police continue to investigate the events that led to the fatal collision. While the precise circumstances remain under review, initial reports indicate that the accident may have been a case of tragic misjudgment rather than reckless or malicious behavior.
Traffic-related deaths involving pedestrians on highways are, unfortunately, not uncommon. Experts often warn that highways are especially dangerous for those outside of vehicles due to the high speeds and limited reaction times for drivers. Stopping on the left shoulder, in particular, poses additional risks, as that side is typically not designed for emergency stops and offers little space for safety.
Friends and loved ones of Melnichuk have expressed shock and sorrow on social media, sharing memories of her kindness, ambition, and caring personality. Many described her as someone who was always willing to help others and had a smile that could light up a room.
“She was always so full of life,” wrote one friend. “She had just started a new chapter and was doing so well for herself. It’s hard to believe she’s really gone.”
As the investigation continues, the family is focusing on funeral preparations and healing from this heartbreaking loss. The GoFundMe account was created to help cover funeral costs and other expenses during this difficult time. Community members have already begun to rally around the family with donations and messages of support.
Ruth’s death serves as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. While authorities work to determine whether any factors beyond human error contributed to the crash, the tragedy highlights the importance of roadside safety and the dangers pedestrians face on highways.
Chief among the questions investigators are likely exploring is how and why Melnichuk ended up in the travel lane. In situations like these, visibility, weather, driver distraction, and road layout all come under scrutiny. As of now, no additional details have been made public.
In the meantime, Melnichuk’s loved ones are left to process a loss that came with no warning. What should have been a routine drive home from work turned into a nightmare for a young woman whose life was just beginning to unfold.
“She worked hard and had a bright future ahead of her,” her family wrote in their public statement. “This is a tragedy we wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, authorities are urging drivers to be cautious and alert, especially around accident scenes and when approaching vehicles stopped along the roadside. For now, one family in Salem County is left mourning a beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose life ended far too soon.
