Frelinghuysen Township approves resolution supporting renaming of I-80 overpass in honor of roadside worker killed in hit-and-run crash
FRELINGHUYSEN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — The Frelinghuysen Township Committee has approved a resolution supporting the renaming of the State Park Road overpass on Interstate 80 in memory of Ethan Patrick Schultz, a 20-year-old roadside service technician who was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash while assisting a disabled tractor-trailer last year.
The resolution, adopted Nov. 12, supports renaming the overpass near milepost 14 as the “Ethan Patrick Schultz Memorial Bridge.” Schultz’s father, Jason Schultz, attended the meeting and received a copy of the resolution, marking a step forward in the family’s effort to honor his son and raise awareness about the dangers faced by roadside workers.
The family’s petition has received 3,935 signatures, and Jason Schultz said state Sen. Doug Steinhardt has provided him with a draft bill that he plans to introduce in the state Senate before the end of November. Schultz also said he is awaiting a corresponding bill from members of the state Assembly.
Schultz, of Bangor, Pennsylvania, was killed Oct. 23, 2025, just four days before his 21st birthday, while assisting a disabled tractor-trailer along Interstate 80 West in Frelinghuysen Township.
According to New Jersey State Police, a Freightliner tractor-trailer had become disabled on the right shoulder near milepost 14. Schultz had approached the driver’s side of the truck when an unidentified white commercial vehicle traveling westbound struck him and the driver’s side door before fleeing the scene.
Schultz sustained fatal injuries. His parents said in their petition that State Police located the driver approximately 14 hours after the crash and arrested and charged him in connection with their son’s death.
In an update to supporters, Jason Schultz and Cathleen Foss Schultz thanked those who signed the petition and helped bring attention to their effort to honor their son.
“I want to thank all of you that have taken the time to read my story about our son Ethan Patrick, and all of your messages of hope and sorrow. Your signatures have brought the attention of this matter to news originations and the local political leaders. The petition has received 3,935 signatures. The Mayor of Frelinghuysen has printed for me a copy of their Resolution of Support signed by their Town Clerk, which will also be mailed to the Governors office. NJ State Senator Steinhardt has sent me a draft of the Bill that he will present to the State Senate before the end of November. I am still waiting on the State Assemblymen to work on their draft of the bill, i have been assured that it is being done,” Jason Schultz and Cathleen Foss Schultz said.
“Ethan’s mother and I are grateful for everyones support. Thank you! We will be in touch with you in the future as to when the signs will be installed on the overpass,” Jason Schultz and Cathleen Foss Schultz said.
Before his death, Schultz served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Oak Hill after graduating from high school. Following his military service, he began working at the T/A Truck Stop in Columbia, New Jersey, where he continued his diesel training and was later promoted to roadside service.
The township’s resolution recognizes Schultz’s military service and his work assisting motorists along New Jersey highways. It also emphasizes the importance of the state’s Move Over law, which requires drivers to change lanes when safely possible or slow down when approaching certain stationary vehicles displaying warning lights.
In their petition, Schultz’s parents said the proposed memorial would serve as a lasting tribute to their son while reminding motorists of the dangers faced by roadside workers.
“More so than just a name on a sign, this memorial would stand as a testament to the importance of the Slow Down Move Over laws and the impact on countless lives when this law is not obeyed,” the petition states.
The township’s resolution does not officially rename the state-owned overpass. Under the resolution, the municipal clerk is directed to send certified copies to Jason Schultz, the governor’s office, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Warren County legislators in support of the proposed designation.
