Joseph DeVito, 28, Union County Sheriff’s Officer Killed in Motorcycle Crash on I-78 Near Milepost 43.4; Collided with Semi-Trailer Driven by Groveport, OH Man.

‘A Valued Member, A Respected Friend’: Union County Sheriff’s Officer Joseph DeVito, 28, Dies in I-78 Motorcycle Crash

NEW JERSEY – The morning rush on Interstate 78 is a familiar rhythm of headlights, brake lights, and the constant hum of tires. But on a recent Friday, that rhythm was shattered. A young sheriff’s officer, Joseph DeVito, 28, of Kenilworth, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a car‑carrier semi‑trailer on the westbound side of the highway. The impact ejected DeVito from his bike, and despite the swift response of emergency crews, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash has sent waves of grief through the Union County law enforcement community and beyond.

The New Jersey State Police identified DeVito as the victim. According to the preliminary investigation, the crash occurred near milepost 43.4 on I‑78 westbound. DeVito was operating a motorcycle when, for reasons still under investigation, the front of his bike made contact with the front of a car‑carrier semi‑trailer driven by a 32‑year‑old man from Groveport, Ohio. The impact caused DeVito to be thrown from his motorcycle. He suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi‑trailer was not injured. He remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been filed, and the crash remains under active investigation by the New Jersey State Police’s Collision Analysis Unit.

“This is a devastating loss for our department and for the entire law enforcement community,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli in a statement. “Officer DeVito was a valued member of our family – a dedicated public servant, a respected colleague, and a true friend. Our hearts are broken for his family, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

As flags are lowered to half‑staff at the Union County Sheriff’s Office and across the state, those who knew Joseph DeVito are remembering a young man who lived with purpose, served with honor, and died far too soon.

—

Who Was Joseph DeVito?

Joseph DeVito, 28, of Kenilworth, New Jersey, was a sheriff’s officer with the Union County Sheriff’s Office. He had served in the department for approximately five years, according to colleagues. Before that, he worked as a corrections officer and had volunteered as a firefighter in his hometown.

Born and raised in Union County, DeVito attended David Brearley High School in Kenilworth, where he was a standout wrestler and a member of the student government. Teachers remember him as a quiet leader – someone who didn’t seek the spotlight but who was always willing to help a classmate or organize a fundraiser.

“Joe was the kind of kid who would stay after school to help clean up the gym without being asked,” said his former history teacher, Linda Marchetti. “He had a sense of duty even then. It’s no surprise he chose law enforcement.”

After high school, DeVito earned an associate degree in criminal justice at Union County College. He then joined the Union County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer at the county jail. He quickly earned a reputation for being firm but fair – respected by both colleagues and inmates.

“He treated everyone with dignity,” said retired corrections sergeant Mark Hannigan. “Even the most difficult inmates knew that Joe would listen to them. He didn’t have an ego. He just wanted to do the right thing.”

After two years in corrections, DeVito transferred to the Sheriff’s Office’s patrol division, where he worked in courthouse security and served warrants. He was known for his professionalism and his calm demeanor under pressure. He was also an avid motorcyclist – a passion he had nurtured since his teenage years.

“He loved his bike,” said his close friend and fellow officer, Anthony Rizzo. “He would ride to work whenever the weather allowed. He was safe, always wore his gear. This wasn’t reckless. This was just a horrible accident.”

DeVito is survived by his parents, Frank and Diane DeVito of Kenilworth; his younger sister, Christina; and his girlfriend, Jessica Martinez. The family has requested privacy but released a short statement through the sheriff’s office: “Joe was our pride and joy. He lived to serve others. We are heartbroken, but we are also so proud of the man he became. Please hug your loved ones tight.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family with funeral expenses. As of Saturday morning, more than $25,000 had been raised from hundreds of donors, including many law enforcement officers from across the state.

—

The Crash: What Investigators Know

The New Jersey State Police’s Collision Analysis Unit is one of the most experienced reconstruction teams in the country. They were called to I‑78 westbound near milepost 43.4 – an area in Hunterdon County, approximately 10 miles west of the junction with Route 287 – shortly after the crash was reported.

Preliminary reports indicate that the crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, during the peak of the morning commute. DeVito was operating a 2022 Harley‑Davidson motorcycle. The semi‑trailer, a 2020 Freightliner car carrier, was driven by a 32‑year‑old man from Groveport, Ohio. The driver’s name has not been released, as no charges have been filed.

According to troopers, the front of the motorcycle made contact with the front of the semi‑trailer. This suggests that the motorcycle may have been attempting to change lanes or that the semi‑trailer may have moved into the motorcycle’s path. However, investigators have not confirmed any specific sequence.

“We are looking at everything – speed, lane position, visibility, distraction, and the possibility of a mechanical issue,” said New Jersey State Police Sergeant First Class James Hannon. “We are also reviewing any available dashcam footage from other vehicles and from the semi‑trailer itself. We ask anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.”

The semi‑trailer driver was not injured and has been cooperating fully. He has provided a statement to police and submitted to a toxicology test, which is standard in fatal crashes. Results are pending.

The motorcycle was heavily damaged; the semi‑trailer sustained minor front‑end damage. The highway was closed for approximately five hours as investigators documented the scene. Traffic was diverted onto local roads, causing major delays.

No charges have been filed. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the semi‑trailer driver could face charges ranging from careless driving to vehicular manslaughter if he is found to have violated any traffic laws. However, at this point, investigators have not indicated any wrongdoing.

—

The Union County Sheriff’s Office: Mourning One of Their Own

The Union County Sheriff’s Office, headquartered in Elizabeth, employs approximately 300 sworn officers and staff. It is a close‑knit agency where the loss of any member is felt deeply. The death of Joseph DeVito has hit particularly hard because of his youth, his dedication, and the sudden, violent nature of the crash.

“We are a family,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli at a somber press conference outside the sheriff’s office. “When one of us falls, we all feel it. Joe was not just an officer – he was a brother, a friend, a mentor to younger recruits. His desk is empty, and that emptiness is in all of our hearts.”

Flags at the sheriff’s office, the Union County Courthouse, and other county buildings have been lowered to half‑staff. Officers have placed black mourning bands across their badges. A memorial of flowers, candles, and patrol hats has grown outside the main entrance.

The sheriff’s office has also arranged for critical incident stress management (CISM) counseling for all officers. “We want our people to know that it’s okay to grieve, to ask for help,” said Chief of Staff Andrea Salazar. “Joe would want us to take care of each other.”

Law enforcement agencies across New Jersey have expressed condolences, including the New Jersey State Police, the Kenilworth Police Department, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. A procession of patrol cars from multiple departments escorted DeVito’s body from the crash scene to the medical examiner’s office in Newark.

“The blue line is strong,” said Kenilworth Police Chief John Zimmerman. “We stand with our brothers and sisters in Union County. Joe DeVito made the ultimate sacrifice – not in a shootout or a high‑speed chase, but on a highway, just trying to get to work. That doesn’t make his loss any less tragic.”

—

Motorcycle Safety on Highways: A Persistent Danger

The death of Joseph DeVito highlights the ongoing danger that motorcyclists face on New Jersey’s highways, even when they are experienced and cautious. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, there were more than 3,500 motorcycle crashes in the state in 2024, resulting in approximately 70 fatalities. A significant percentage of those crashes involve collisions with larger vehicles, especially trucks.

“Motorcycles offer no protection in a crash,” said交通安全 advocate Robert L. Cohen. “Even with a helmet and protective gear, a rider is vulnerable. And when a motorcycle and a semi‑trailer collide, the outcome is almost always catastrophic.”

The New Jersey State Police have urged all motorists to be aware of motorcyclists, especially during warmer months when more bikes are on the road. “Look twice, save a life,” is a common slogan, but crashes continue to occur.

DeVito was known to be a safe rider. Friends say he never rode without a helmet, gloves, and a reinforced jacket. He had taken advanced riding courses. “He did everything right,” said his friend Anthony Rizzo. “And he still didn’t come home. It makes you question everything.”

—

Community Response: An Outpouring of Support

The Kenilworth community, a small borough of approximately 8,000 people, has rallied around the DeVito family. On Saturday morning, neighbors placed blue ribbons on mailboxes and lampposts. A local church opened its doors for a prayer service.

“Joe grew up here,” said Kenilworth Mayor Linda Karlovitch. “He played Little League here. He delivered pizzas for the local shop. He became a sheriff’s officer here. He was one of us. And we will not let his memory fade.”

A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening at Kenilworth’s David Brearley High School football field. Organizers have asked attendees to wear blue – the color of law enforcement – and to bring photos or written memories.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office has also announced that a portion of I‑78 near milepost 43.4 will be dedicated as “Officer Joseph DeVito Memorial Highway,” pending approval by the New Jersey Legislature. A bill is expected to be introduced next week.

“Joe’s name will live on,” Sheriff Corvelli said. “Every time someone drives past that mile marker, they will see his name. And they will remember that a good man died there – a man who dedicated his life to protecting others.”

—

The Investigation: What Comes Next

The New Jersey State Police’s Collision Analysis Unit will continue its investigation over the coming weeks. They will analyze the motorcycle’s event data recorder (if equipped), examine the semi‑trailer’s black box, review cell phone records, and interview any additional witnesses. They will also consult with forensic engineers to determine the exact point of impact and the speed of both vehicles.

Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be forwarded to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office for review. If any criminal charges are warranted, they will be filed at that time. If the crash is deemed a tragic accident, no charges will be filed.

The driver of the semi‑trailer, the 32‑year‑old man from Groveport, Ohio, has retained an attorney. The attorney released a brief statement: “Our client is devastated by this accident. He extends his deepest condolences to the DeVito family. He is cooperating fully with law enforcement.”

The DeVito family has not commented on potential legal action, but they have expressed a desire for answers. “We need to know what happened,” said Diane DeVito, Joseph’s mother. “We need to know if anyone was at fault. And then we need to find a way to move forward. But that will take time.”

—

A Final Farewell

On a quiet Saturday afternoon, a lone motorcyclist rode slowly past the crash site on I‑78 westbound. He pulled over to the shoulder, dismounted, and placed a small wooden cross at the base of a guardrail. He stood there for a long moment, helmet tucked under his arm, head bowed. Then he got back on his bike and rode away.

Joseph DeVito was 28 years old. He was a son, a brother, a boyfriend, a sheriff’s officer, a motorcyclist, a friend. He was someone who believed in service, who wore his uniform with pride, and who loved the open road.

And on a Friday morning on Interstate 78, that road took him home for the last time.

Rest in peace, Officer Joseph DeVito. You will not be forgotten.

—

Anyone with information about the crash on I‑78 westbound near milepost 43.4 on April 10, 2026, is urged to contact the New Jersey State Police – Perryville Station at (908) 730-1600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to NJ Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

A GoFundMe campaign for the DeVito family can be found by searching “Officer Joseph DeVito Memorial Fund” on the GoFundMe website. Donations will go toward funeral expenses and a scholarship for criminal justice students at Union County College.