Bridgewater Firefighter, Dad 'Lucky To Be Alive' After Horrible Car Crash

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Anthony Zougras, an active volunteer firefighter for the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department, is lucky to be alive after being involved in a "horrible car accident."

The crash happened on Aug. 7, which was the night before he had to lay to rest his father, Dionysios (Saki) in Greece, according to the GoFundMe set up by Juliana Ritter, who shares a daughter with Zougras.

"No one could have imagined that we would experience another tragedy of Anthony being in a car accident and in need of serious medical care following the loss of his father, whose wish we were fulfilling to be buried in his hometown of Zakynthos, Greece," said Ritter.

Following the crash, Zougras was in need of emergency facial reconstructive surgery. On Friday, Zougras came out of one of many surgeries to come where doctors were able to "reconnect" his broken jaw on the right side.

However, due to Zougras being self-employed, he does not have medical insurance to cover the extensive surgery and medical care needed.

Ritter set up the GoFundMe fundraising website to help cover his medical expenses associated with his surgeries at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. As of Friday just over $12,000 has been raised out of the $50,000 goal.

Zougras was awarded "Member of The Year" for 2024 for his volunteer service with the Martinsville Fire Department. He is also an active member of the Somerville Elks Club which primarily supports special needs children.

"Thank you in advance for your generosity," said Ritter. "Any and all donations will go a long way in supporting Anthony’s medical expenses and surgery."

For more information or to donate visit gofundme.com/f/help-anthony-zougras-recover-from-a-tragic-car-accident.

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