6 Years Later Police Seek Answers In Somerville Hit-And-Run Death

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Six years later, authorities are continuing to ask the public for any information on the hit and run death of former Somerville Fire Department Chief George Kavanaugh.

On March 6, 2015, after attending a viewing for a fallen firefighter, Kavanaugh, 75, went to the Lincoln Hose Fire Company 4 firehouse, said Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.

While waiting for a ride outside of the firehouse at around 9:25 p.m., Kavanaugh was hit by a car that sped off from the scene, said Robertson.

Kavanaugh was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

A witness said a light-colored SUV had been idling and parked in the area of the front bay near the firehouse door minutes before backing up and hitting Kavanaugh, said Robertson.

A reward of up to $15,000 is being offered for the identification, arrest, and conviction of anyone responsible for the hit-and-run fatality of Kavanaugh. The reward is being offered by Somerset County Crime Stoppers (up to $10,000) and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office (up to $5,000).

Anyone with information relating to this hit and run fatality is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or via the STOPit app. The Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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