A Hudson County sheriff’s deputy died Friday when he or she fell through a window at a Jersey City executive building and died.
The officer was later named as 29-year-old Justin Rivera by the Hudson County prosecutor’s office, which said the fall seemed to have been an accident.
Around 9:30 a.m., Rivera jumped out of a window on the ninth floor and hit the ground. The prosecutor’s office said the hearing took place on Friday at the Hudson County Administration Building on Newark Avenue. He was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, but early the next morning, they said he was dead.
The prosecutor’s office said Rivera was on duty at the time, but the building wasn’t open to the public because of a lightning strike that had nothing to do with the case.
A statement about Rivera’s death was made by Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. He said, “I would like to express my condolences to the family of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer who tragically passed away.” As a brother who served his country with honor died today, I pray for the Hudson County Sheriff and all of his officers.
“Saw a guy coming straight down”
People on the street below said they heard the body hit the ground and then the glass break. These people said that police quickly left the house and began CPR.
Steve Roosen, a witness, said, “I heard glass break and then looked up and saw a guy coming straight down.” “I saw the officers perform CPR, maybe, three times, and then just stop.”
Following this, Roosen said he looked up and saw two heads in the window frame.
“Saw two heads looking down, as everyone was coming to the scene,” he stated.
A loud bang was heard by Eleni Vittas as she helped her 91-year-old mother get into her car. She also said that the police officer wasn’t dressed in a uniform.
“At first, I thought someone might have fallen off a scaffolding because I thought I heard a groan or something like that.” He said, “When I looked up, I saw a broken window from the building.” “I ran over to see if somebody had fallen, and there was somebody on the ground.”
“I was sitting outside this morning on a coffee break, and suddenly I see just a lot of police officers around, and I saw, it looks like, somebody jumped from the ninth floor,” Adriano Silva said, adding, “It’s crazy, I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”
People in Bayonne are sad about the death of Justin Rivera.
Rivera had a family and taught boxing.
On Friday, Rivera’s friends gathered outside of his family-owned martial arts school in Bayonne. There was a sign on the door that said “Family Emergency!” We’re closed until Monday!” On the ground outside, a memorial was growing.
Rivera taught Devin Ortiz how to play bat.
“I’m shocked. “I’m shocked,” he said. “He was a phenomenal athlete. He won a Golden Gloves award and was a great coach and teacher.
“I sense his sadness over what took place. “It’s so sad,” said friend Noa Ramos. “He was training very diligently to try to protect us in this community.”
Ramos also said, “What a wonderful man. He was a great coach for all of us. He loved all of us here.
Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis wrote in a statement: “We are all heartbroken over the tragic loss of life of one of Bayonne’s protectors Justin Rivera. Justin, an officer with the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, a former Bayonne Police Officer, and father, died while on duty in Jersey City this morning. Justin’s commitment to the public safety of our community and his devotion to his daughter Rayne will be his legacy, which we will never forget. Our entire city is mourning with Justin’s entire family, his friends, and the law enforcement community.”
