Stefanie Munoz and her dog

By Sam Barron & Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A 40-year-old Newark woman was fatally struck by a vehicle that witnesses say was speeding and driving in the wrong direction while she was walking her dog on Friday, Aug. 22, authorities said.

At 10 p.m., Stefanie Munoz was walking her dog when she was struck by a 2023 gray Ford Explorer in front of 347 Clifton Ave, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said.

Munoz was crossing the street, mid-block, when she was struck by the vehicle, authorities said. Her dog was unharmed, authorities said. Munoz was taken to University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, authorities said.

The striking vehicle was observed by witnesses passing another vehicle on the wrong side of the road and was traveling at a high speed, authorities said. 

The driver did not appear to be impaired and possessed a valid driver’s license, authorities said. He was found to have a concealed carry permit and was armed with a 9mm handgun. The driver said he was employed as an armed security guard, authorities said

A GoFundMe for Munoz's family had raised $2,600 as of press time.

Stefanie was a truly remarkable person—independent, disciplined, loving, and sensitive. She was always goal-oriented and supportive, with a kind and heartwarming spirit that touched everyone she met. Stefanie was the person you could count on to help others heal and grow, always doing her best to lift up those around her. Her intelligence and compassion made her a source of strength for our family and friends. Most of all, Stefanie was incredibly important to all of us, and her presence made a lasting impact on our lives.

The investigation is ongoing.