Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Justin Rivera, 29, tragically died early Friday after falling from a ninth-floor window at the Hudson County Administrative Building in Jersey City. Rivera, who was on duty with at least two other officers at the time, fell through the window and landed on Central Avenue. First responders rushed him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene. One bystander told News 12 New Jersey, “I thought maybe it was a person falling off of maybe like a scaffolding… just surreal, unfortunate, sad, unnerving just to see that happen.” Another witness recounted hearing glass break before seeing Rivera fall to the ground with a thud.
The building was closed due to a power outage when the incident occurred. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating, with early indications suggesting the fall was accidental. The cause and manner of death are pending the medical examiner’s report.
Officer Rivera’s death has left his family, colleagues, and community in shock. Sheriff Frank Schillari called it “one of the saddest and most horrific days” for the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office. Rivera is remembered as an outstanding officer and young man who had his whole life ahead of him.
Rivera leaves behind a daughter, and Sheriff Schillari pledged the department’s full support for the grieving family. “Their grief is unimaginable for anyone who has not lost a child in such a sudden and horrific manner,” he said. The law enforcement community continues to mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant taken far too soon.
