Joseph Aziz, 20, of Hudson County and Bryan Rivera, 24, of North Bergen die in fatal North Bergen car crash
Fatal Hudson County car crash death of Joseph Aziz, 20, of Hudson County and Bryan Rivera, 24, of North Bergen
Officials confirmed the identities of the police lieutenant and the two individuals killed in a fatal collision on Sunday in Hudson County. The incident occurred after the officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction. Joseph Aziz, aged 20 from Hudson County, and Bryan Rivera, aged 24 from North Bergen, were the victims.
According to authorities, North Bergen police Lieutenant Jason Appello was operating a marked patrol vehicle and was pursuing Joseph Aziz following an alleged traffic violation at the intersection of 70th Street and Tonnelle Avenue. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 11:18 p.m., Joseph Aziz’s car collided with Bryan Rivera’s car, which was reportedly not involved in the original traffic stop.
Both Joseph Aziz and Bryan Rivera sustained significant injuries as a result of the impact. Medical examiners later confirmed that both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Three passengers inside Bryan Rivera’s vehicle were transported to a regional hospital on the following day and were still under medical observation. Conversely, one occupant of Joseph Aziz’s car received treatment at an area medical facility and was subsequently discharged.
The incident is currently being examined by investigators to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision. The Attorney General’s Public Integrity and Accountability division has been assigned to review the event, particularly due to the involvement of law enforcement personnel during the encounter.
