An officer from the Union County Sheriff’s Office died Friday morning in a motorcycle crash, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Joseph DeVito, 28, sustained fatal injuries after the front of his vehicle came into contact with a semi-trailer, authorities said.
DeVito, of Kenilworth, was traveling westbound on I-78 while riding a motorcycle.
A 32-year-old man from Groveport, Ohio, was driving a semi-trailer, which was hauling a car carrier on I-78 in the right lane, officials said.
The front of DeVito’s motorcycle came into contact with the front of the semi-trailer near milepost 43.4, ejecting DeVito from his vehicle, according to police.
DeVito died due to his injuries, authorities said.
The crash remains under investigation, according to officials.
“We are devastated by the loss of Officer DeVito,” Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli said in a statement. “He was not only a valued member of our department, but also a respected colleague and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Several police departments in Union County mourned the death of DeVito, including the Elizabeth Police Department.
“In law enforcement, we are more than just different agencies, we are one family,” the department posted on Facebook. “When one of us is lost, the loss is felt by all of us. We stand together in honoring his service and keeping his loved ones in our thoughts.”
NJ.com staff writer Chris Sheldon contributed to this report.
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