Former Hunterdon County undersheriff dies just over 2 weeks after being struck by pickup in Hackettstown
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – A former undersheriff of Hunterdon County has died after he was struck by a pickup truck in Hackettstown on Sept. 21.
Michael J. Russo, 67, now of Wildwood, FL, died Saturday at Morristown Medical Center, according to police.
The crash happened on Sept. 21, at a 4:47 p.m., on the access road near Wendy’s, located at 219 Mountain Ave, police said.
A preliminary police investigation revealed that a Chevy pickup, operated by a 59-year-old man from Oxford Township, was making a left turn onto the access road from the Wendy’s parking lot when the pickup struck Russo, who was crossing the road, police said.
Russo was then flown to Morristown Medical Center where he died on Oct. 7, police said.
The driver of the pickup was not injured, police said.
“No summonses will be issued in this crash,” police said.
Russo served as undersheriff in Hunterdon County from 1990-94 for Sheriff James Marino and 2008-10 for Sheriff Deborah Trout.
“Update on Officer Michael Russo tragic accident from his family, brothers Chris & Gene Russo: “It is with the greatest of sorrow that my brother Chris and I, announce the passing of our brother Michael yesterday morning. The support, prayers and inquiries these past two weeks have been overwhelming. We are devastated as a family, and are still trying to process this tragic event. We ask that you please keep us in your prayers,” a post on Vince Seneri Facebook page said.
