Community Mourns Teen Cyclist Killed In Passaic County Crash

WOODLAND PARK, NJ — A 14-year-old bicyclist died after colliding with a Mercedes SUV on Monday afternoon in Woodland Park, officials said.

School and borough officials identified the teen as Nicola Colangelo, a lifelong resident who was freshman at Passaic Valley Regional High School.

"He was one of us," said Mayor Tracy Kallert and the borough council in a statement.

Colangelo participated in Woodland Park's summer camps throughout his childhood and played both travel basketball and football.

"Known for his vibrant spirit, infectious kindness, and remarkable sense of humor, Nicola had an extraordinary ability to bring joy to everyone around him," officials said.

Officers were called to the intersection of Rose Place and McBride Avenue for a reported crash at around 4:20 p.m Monday, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office and Woodland Park Police.

According to authorities, Colangelo was "traveling in between traffic" and collided with the rear passenger door of a 2023 Mercedes Benz SUV. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Mercedes driver stayed to talk with first responders, and no charges have been filed at this time, officials said. An investigation continues into the cause of the crash.

Anyone with more information on the crash is asked to contact the Prosecutor's Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or by email attips@passaiccountynj.org.

Colangelo was the oldest child of three, and borough officials extended their condolences to his family and friends, pledging to "remember his laughter, his kindness, and the joy he brought to our lives."

Passaic Valley Regional superintendent Dr. Bracken Healy said the district's crisis management team will be available to students and staff all day on Tuesday.

"We are saddened by this loss, and we will remain committed to ensuring our students have the mental and emotional support they need to cope with this tragic event," he said in a letter to the community.