A devastating event took place in Jersey City, New Jersey, on a recent Friday morning when a sheriff’s officer tragically fell from a ninth-floor window, resulting in his death. The officer, known as Justin Rivera, was performing his duties at the Hudson County Administrative Building on Newark Avenue when the incident happened just before 9:30 a.m.
First responders found the 29-year-old officer outside the building on Central Avenue. He was immediately rushed to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was declared dead approximately 30 minutes later, as reported by Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
The death of Officer Rivera has been ruled as accidental, although the precise circumstances that led to his fatal fall are still under investigation. A bystander at the scene reported hearing the sound of shattering glass before witnessing Rivera’s fall. The bystander, Steve Roosen, described seeing officers attempting CPR on Rivera multiple times before stopping their efforts.
Roosen also noticed two individuals looking out of the broken window down to the street after the incident. The official cause of death is still pending as authorities are waiting for results from the medical examiner’s office.
The Hudson County Administrative Building was not open to the public at the time due to an unrelated power outage. Following the incident, an outpouring of tributes began for Rivera, who local officials remembered as an outstanding officer and an extraordinary young man.
Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari expressed his sorrow over Rivera’s loss, stating that the young officer exemplified the highest ideals of integrity, compassion, and professionalism. The Hudson County Sheriff’s Superior Fraternal Order of Police also honored Rivera, commending his dedication to public service and his steadfast commitment to the community.
Rivera, who was also a father, lived in Bayonne, New Jersey, where he coached boxing at his family’s martial arts studio. Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis expressed his condolences, referring to Rivera’s death as a “tragic loss” for the city.