Tow truck operator killed in I-287 crash in Morris County; employer mourns loss, urges drivers to ‘move over’
HARDING TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) — A 24-year-old tow truck operator from Hopatcong Borough was killed Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a disabled car on the shoulder of Interstate 287 South in Morris County, according to New Jersey State Police.
Daniel Ortiz, known as “DJ” by his coworkers, was working for Ron and Sons Towing when the crash occurred around 11:42 a.m. near milepost 31.4 in Harding Township. A Ram tow truck was in the process of recovering a disabled Honda passenger vehicle on the right shoulder when a Jeep SUV veered onto the shoulder, striking the Honda, the tow truck, and Ortiz.
Ortiz sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital, where he later died. The driver of the Jeep suffered minor injuries.
“The crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time,” state police said.
Ron and Sons Towing, Ortiz’s employer, shared a heartfelt and emotional tribute on social media, saying the loss of DJ was devastating to their close-knit team.
“DJ, at just the age of 24, was one of our drivers, one of our brothers, who was killed on the side of 287 because someone couldn’t be bothered to slow down or move over,” the post read. “He wasn’t just a coworker. He was family. He was one of the kindest, most helpful, sweetest, and friendliest people you could ever meet.”
The post went on to describe the everyday risks faced by roadside workers and called for stronger awareness and compliance with New Jersey’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights.
“This isn’t just about one person — it’s about all of us… We are not invisible. We are not disposable. Slow down. Move over. Or get the hell off the road,” the company wrote.
Ortiz’s death marks a tragic reminder of the dangers first responders and roadside workers face daily.
