Bergen County, NJ – Two Dead, Several Injured in Police-Involved Crash on Tonnelle Ave
Bergen County, NJ (October 1, 2025) – Authorities have identified the two victims killed in a police-involved crash in North Bergen early Sunday, September 28. The victims were confirmed on Tuesday, September 30, as Joseph Aziz, 20, of Jersey City, and Bryan Rivera, 24, of North Bergen, according to the New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office.
Preliminary investigations show that North Bergen Police Lt. Jason Appello, driving a marked police vehicle, began following a Honda Accord operated by Aziz after the car was reportedly involved in a traffic violation at 70th Street and Tonnelle Avenue. About a minute later, around 11:18 p.m., the Accord collided with a Toyota Corolla driven by Rivera on Tonnelle Avenue between 50th and 51st streets.
Both Aziz and Rivera sustained serious injuries and were later pronounced dead. One passenger in the Accord and three passengers in the Corolla were hospitalized; the Accord passenger has since been released, while the Corolla passengers remain in care.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability is leading the investigation. Under New Jersey law, any death during an encounter with law enforcement must be presented to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Authorities continue to gather evidence and review the circumstances surrounding the police pursuit and subsequent collision.
We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and hope for the recovery of those injured in the crash.
Compensation After Car Accidents in Bergen County
Car accidents in Bergen County can lead to serious injuries, long-term medical care, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death. Victims and their families may be entitled to pursue compensation for losses resulting from another party’s negligence, reckless driving, or misconduct, including accidents involving police vehicles.
Compensation typically covers medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and long-term care for permanent injuries. Lost wages or diminished earning capacity may also be claimed if the accident prevents the victim from returning to work or reduces their ability to earn income in the future. Pain and suffering damages provide financial relief for the physical and emotional trauma caused by injuries, while property damage coverage helps repair or replace vehicles and personal belongings damaged in the crash.
In cases of wrongful death, families of deceased victims may pursue claims to recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. New Jersey law allows these claims when a fatality results from negligence, recklessness, or unlawful actions, including collisions caused by impaired driving, failure to yield, or other unsafe behaviors.
Legal guidance is essential in navigating insurance claims, determining liability, and negotiating fair compensation. For families dealing with wrongful death, attorneys can help ensure that all potential damages are considered and that survivors receive the financial resources needed to recover and rebuild their lives.
At Stern & Stern, LLP in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, we provide dedicated support and guidance every step of the way. Our New Jersey wrongful death accident lawyers understand the local courts, insurance procedures, and laws surrounding personal injury and wrongful death claims. With proper representation, victims and their families can focus on healing while pursuing the justice and support they deserve.
Call us today at (201) 569-2222 for a free and confidential consultation. You won’t pay any fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Notes: Stern&Stern, LLP utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. If you find any information that is inaccurate or incorrect, please contact Stern&Stern, LLP. We will update the post promptly to reflect the most accurate details available.
Disclaimers: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene.