Sussex Co. Tow Truck Operator, 24, Killed In I-287 Crash, Officials Say

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Hopatcong tow truck operator was killed in a car accident on Wednesday afternoon on I-287 southbound, causing delays for several hours, authorities said.

According to officials, the incident occurred just north of Exit 30, North Maple Avenue, in Harding Township between 12 and 1 p.m.

According to police, a Ram tow truck was assisting a disabled Honda passenger vehicle on the right shoulder of I-287. Around milepost 31.4, a Jeep SUV entered the right shoulder, slamming into the Ram tow truck, the Honda, and the tow truck operator.

The tow truck operator, Daniel "DJ" Ortiz, 24, from Hopatcong, sustained "serious injuries" from the crash. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds, police said.

Officials added that the driver of the Jeep SUV sustained minor injuries.

Ortiz worked at Ron and Sons Towing, based in Kenvil, NJ. Representatives described him as one of the "kindest, most helpful, sweetest, and friendliest people you could ever meet."

"DJ, at just the age of 24, was one of our drivers, one of our brothers who was killed on the side of 287 because someone couldn’t be bothered to slow down or move over," a Ron and Sons social media post read. "He was out there doing his job. Helping someone in need. Standing on the shoulder with his lights flashing, clearly visible, clearly working, and someone’s complete negligence and lack of attention ended his life in an instant."

According to the NJ Department of Transportation, the incident caused major delays on I-287 southbound for several hours. Officials said all lanes were cleared for traffic at 3 p.m.

The incident is still under investigation, according to state police.