N.J. Sheriff's Officer, 29, Dies After Falling from 9th-Floor Window: 'His Commitment to Service Will Never Be Forgotten'

Yahoo

31-05-2025

A New Jersey sheriff's officer died after falling from a ninth-floor window of an administrative building in Jersey City on May 30
Justin Rivera, 29, fell at around 9:30 a.m. local time in what officials believe was an accident following a preliminary investigation
"It's sad that this happened to him. It's very sad," one friend saidA New Jersey sheriff's officer has died after falling from the ninth-story window of an administrative building.
The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office (HCPO) announced on Friday, May 30, that it's investigating the death of Justin Rivera, a 29-year-old officer for the Hudson County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities responded to the scene of an injured officer at around 9:30 a.m. local time at the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City, where they found the man at the exterior of the building on Central Avenue.
Per the HCPO, Rivera was transported to Jersey City Medical Center and pronounced dead at around 10 a.m. Following a "preliminary investigation," the HCPO's Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs Unit found that Rivera fell from a ninth-floor window and his death appeared to be accidental.
Rivera was on duty at the time of his death. The building itself was not open to the public due to an unrelated power outage, according to the HCPO.
The circumstances surrounding his death — including the case and manner — remain under investigation.
Speaking with CBS News New York, witnesses on the street recalled hearing glass shatter before the officer's body hit the ground. Steve Roosen, one witness, described seeing a man "coming straight down."
"I saw the officers perform CPR, maybe three times, and then just stop," Roosen said, adding that he saw "two heads looking down" from the window frame in the moments following the fall.
Adriano Silva, who was sitting outside on a coffee break when police began to arrive, told CBS News New York that he had "never seen anything like this in my life."
"My first thought was maybe there was scaffolding and somebody fell off, because I thought I heard [a groan], like that sort of thing. I looked up, and there was broken window from the building," added witness Eleni Vittas, who said the officer was not in uniform. "I ran over to see if somebody had fallen, and there was somebody on the ground."
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David Gabriel told NBC New York that he's been visiting the building "for years" and described its glass windows as "the kind of glass you can just punch with your hand."
Rivera — whom CBS News New York reported was a father and a boxing coach — was "more than a colleague," Sheriff Frank X. Schillari wrote in a social media statement announcing his death.
"He was a valued member of our law enforcement family. His commitment to service, professionalism and unwavering dedication to serving our community will never be forgotten," the sheriff's statement read. "At this time, the incident is being actively investigated by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office and has been described as isolated. We ask for the community's patience and understanding as we work to gather the facts and support one another during this incredibly difficult time."
Schillari added that grief counselors and peer support teams are available for members of the department.
Loved ones paid their respects outside of Rivera's family-owned martial arts studio in Bayonne, N.J. on May 30. There, a makeshift memorial appeared on the sidewalk, according to CBS News New York.
Devin Ortiz, who trained with Rivera, said he was in "shock" as he remembered the officer as a "phenomenal athlete" and "great mentor."
"It's sad that this happened to him. It's very sad," added friend Noa Ramos. "He's an amazing, amazing man. He was a phenomenal coach to all of us. He loved us all here."
Read the original article on People