Burlington County College Student Killed in Fatal I-95 Rollover Crash in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA — A tragic traffic accident on Interstate 95 has claimed the life of a 19-year-old college student from Burlington County, New Jersey, leaving her family, friends, and academic community in mourning.
Siena Marie Brachelli, a sophomore at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, died after a rollover crash on Saturday, January 31, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Details of the I-95 Crash
Authorities said Brachelli was driving northbound on I-95 in Philadelphia at approximately 11:30 a.m., just north of Academy Road, when she lost control of her vehicle. The white Acura MDX left the roadway, struck a metal guardrail along the shoulder, and overturned into the median.
The vehicle ultimately came to rest upside down. Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, but Brachelli was pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed.
As of February 1, the crash remains under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, and no additional contributing factors have yet been released.
Remembering Siena Marie Brachelli
Brachelli was originally from Chesterfield Township, New Jersey, where she was well known in her community. She was a graduate of St. Raphael School and Notre Dame High School, institutions that have since expressed profound sorrow over her sudden passing.
In a heartfelt social media post, officials from St. Raphael School shared condolences with the Brachelli family and announced that a Rosary was prayed in Siena’s memory during Sunday Mass.
“There are no words that can fully express the sorrow we feel as a community,” the statement read. “In our grief, we turn to our faith and to one another. Our hearts remain heavy, yet we trust that Siena is held in God’s loving embrace.”
Life as a St. Joseph’s University Student
According to Philly Crime Update, Brachelli was a political science major at St. Joseph’s University, where she was actively involved both academically and socially. She was a member of the Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, where she formed close bonds with fellow students.
In addition to her studies, Brachelli worked as a service supervisor at Ordinary Heroes, balancing her professional responsibilities with campus life.
Friends and classmates have since taken to social media to share memories, describing her as driven, compassionate, and full of promise.
Community Mourning and Ongoing Investigation
The loss has resonated deeply across Burlington County and the Philadelphia academic community. As tributes continue to pour in, many have expressed heartbreak over the loss of a young life with a bright future ahead.
Pennsylvania State Police have not released further details about the cause of the crash, including whether weather, speed, or mechanical issues played a role. Investigators are continuing to review evidence as part of their ongoing inquiry.
A Life Cut Short
Siena Marie Brachelli’s death serves as a devastating reminder of the unpredictability of life and the profound impact one individual can have on so many. She is remembered not only as a student and community member, but as a daughter, friend, and young woman whose journey ended far too soon.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.