'Tragic Accident' Claims Life Of Young Sheriff's Officer, Hudson County Sheriff Says

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Officials are mourning a Hudson County sheriff's officer who fell from a county building on Friday, they said.

Authorities identified the victim as Justin Rivera, 29.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said that shortly before 9:30 a.m., law enforcement was notified of an injured sheriff’s officer at the Hudson County Administration Building, at 595 Newark Ave. He was found outside the building.

Rivera was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 10 a.m., prosecutors said.

They said, "Based on a preliminary investigation by the Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Unit, Rivera fell from a ninth floor window and his death appears to be accidental in nature at this time."

Rivera was on duty at the time of his death.

The Hudson County Administration Building was not open to the public when the incident occurred due to an unrelated power outage, prosecutors said.

The circumstances leading up to Rivera's death remain under investigation.

"We are all heartbroken over the tragic loss of life of one of Bayonne’s protectors," said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. "A Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer, Bayonne resident, and once Bayonne Police Officer died while on duty in Jersey City this morning. The entire City of Bayonne offers up our condolences to his family and friends."

“Today is one of the saddest and most horrific days that the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office has ever experienced," said Sheriff Frank Schillari in a statement. "We lost an excellent officer today and an outstanding young man. Officer Justin Rivera was just 29 years old and he had his whole life ahead of him. But now because of a tragic accident he is gone. Nothing that we say or do can change that."

He added, "I spent several hours today at the Jersey City Medical Center with Justin’s family. Their grief is unimaginable for anyone who has not lost a child in such a sudden and horrific manner. We are doing everything we can to assist them in this tragic moment in time. Grief counselors from the Medical Center and our own Crisis Intervention Officers and Chaplains are available to assist family members and also fellow Sheriff’s Officers who are grieving at this tremendous loss. We will continue to help in any way we can.

"Justin Rivera was a great young officer who exemplified the highest ideals of integrity, compassion and professionalism. He is lost to us all but he
will never be forgotten."

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“I would like to express my condolences to the family of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer who tragically passed away," said County Executive Craig Guy . "My prayers also go out to the Hudson County Sheriff and all the Sheriff’s Officers, who lost a dedicated brother today.”

The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said, "The investigation is isolated, ongoing, and additional information will be released when available."

More than 300 people work at the Hudson County Sheriff's Office.