Frelinghuysen Twp, NJ (October 24, 2025) – Early on Thursday, October 23, a tragic hit-and-run crash claimed the life of a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man along Interstate 80 in Warren County.
According to officials with the New Jersey State Police, the fatal accident occurred around 6:37 a.m. when troopers responded to a report of a crash on a stretch of I-80 in Frelinghuysen Township. Authorities said Ethan Schultz, 20, of Bangor, Pennsylvania, was servicing a disabled tractor-trailer parked on the right shoulder of the interstate when the incident took place.
Investigators reported that Schultz’s vehicle was parked in front of the disabled truck. As he approached the driver’s side of the tractor-trailer, he was struck by a white commercial vehicle, which also hit the driver’s side door of the truck before fleeing the scene.
Schultz sustained fatal injuries at the scene, police confirmed. The driver responsible for the collision left the area, and the crash remains under active investigation by New Jersey State Police.
Our heartfelt condolences go to the deceased’s family members during this challenging time.
Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in New Jersey
Crashes like the one in Frelinghuysen
Township highlight the devastating consequences of driver negligence and the importance of remaining responsible at all times while on the road. Below are some of the most common causes of hit-and-run accidents in New Jersey and why they occur so frequently:
- Distracted Driving: Many drivers cause serious or even fatal collisions when their attention drifts from the road. Texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or using a GPS device can take a driver’s focus away for just a few seconds, long enough to overlook stopped vehicles or pedestrians on the shoulder.
- Speeding: Excessive speed remains one of the top causes of deadly crashes in New Jersey. Driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver’s ability to stop or steer safely, especially on busy highways like I-80. When a collision occurs at high speed, the force of impact is far greater, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In many cases, drivers who speed and cause crashes panic and flee the scene to avoid accountability.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can cause fatigue, especially among commercial vehicle operators. A tired driver may experience slower reaction times, poor decision-making, or even fall asleep at the wheel. Fatigued drivers often fail to recognize stopped or disabled vehicles, which can result in severe crashes. Because fatigue can mimic the effects of impairment, it’s a serious but often overlooked safety hazard.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use continue to be major factors in fatal hit-and-run accidents. Impaired drivers are less capable of controlling their vehicles and may not realize they have caused a crash until it’s too late. Some drivers flee because they fear arrest for DUI, but leaving the scene of a fatal crash can lead to even harsher criminal penalties and lifelong consequences.
- Fear of Consequences: One of the most common reasons drivers flee the scene is simple fear, fear of being caught, losing their license, or facing criminal charges. Unfortunately, fleeing prevents victims from receiving immediate medical attention and often turns a survivable crash into a fatal one. In every case, stopping, calling for help, and cooperating with authorities is not only the right thing to do, it’s the law.
When a loved one is killed in a hit-and-run crash, the emotional and financial impact on their family can be devastating. Surviving relatives may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and financial support, medical costs related to the crash, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. These claims can help families find a sense of justice and monetary relief after such a sudden and preventable tragedy.
Working with a wrongful death attorney ensures that your case is properly investigated, the at-fault driver is identified, and your family’s rights are protected throughout the claims process.
At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, we’ve been advocating for bereaved families across New Jersey for years. Our legal team is committed to delivering compassionate support and strong legal representation, so you can focus on recovery while we fight for justice on your behalf.
Call Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq today at (800) 923-3456 to arrange a free and confidential consultation. We’re ready to stand by your side every step of the way.
Notes: Our accident news pieces utilize secondary sources like police and fire accident reports, news articles, and eyewitness testimonies. We have not independently verified this information at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq. If you find inaccuracies, please contact us for correction. To request post-removal, please inform us, and we will promptly comply.
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