Philadelphia Woman Arrested for Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on PA Turnpike
PHILADELPHIA—On February 7, 2026, authorities arrested Onanyeli Rosario-Mesa, 25, following a fatal wrong-way crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The arrest occurred around 11:00 a.m. in the 2700 block of Stanwood Street in Northeast Philadelphia. Members of the U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force took Rosario-Mesa into custody without incident. She faces charges including homicide by vehicle while DUI and involuntary manslaughter, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
On March 30, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Rosario-Mesa was allegedly driving under the influence and traveled southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 476. Video surveillance showed her vehicle passing other cars before colliding with a group of motorcyclists, resulting in two damaged motorcycles.
John Sweeney Jr., 50, was pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force injuries, ruled accidental by the Lehigh County Coroner. A subsequent blood draw indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.104%, above the legal limit.
The investigation, which included video and digital evidence analysis, delayed formal charges until April 7, 2026. Authorities issued a warrant when Rosario-Mesa failed to surrender.
Rosario-Mesa’s bail is set at $500,000; she is currently held in Lehigh County Jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on May 12.