N.J. State Trooper Killed After Car Crashed Into Deer Identified

A state trooper who died after his car crashed into a deer early Saturday has been identified.

Trooper Anthony Raspa, 24, who was driving the car, was killed in the crash. He was taken to CentraState Hospital in Freehold where he was declared dead, police said.

The second occupant, Trooper Gene Hong, 29, was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton where he was treated for lacerations and a neck injury. He is expected to be released soon, police said.

The State Police issued a statement on Raspa late Saturday:

“The entire NJSP family feels the sorrow of losing Tpr. Anthony Raspa, but our pain cannot compare to that of the Raspa family. We have troopers with them to help in whatever way we can.”

The Raspa family also released a statement:

“Today our family lost an incredible son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend and person. Anthony was a phenomenal young man with a heart of gold and a passion for life. While he is no longer physically with us, we are so grateful for the 24 years of love and loyalty we shared with him. Anthony was passionate about law enforcement and took great pride in being a NJ State Trooper. He will forever be in our minds and in our hearts. The family is so appreciative of all of the love and support. We ask that you respect our privacy at this time as we continue to grieve.”

The Ford Crown Victoria was patrolling eastbound on I-195 in Upper Freehold Township when it struck a deer, and then ran off the right side of the road and into some trees at at 12:48 a.m. No other vehicles were involved, police said.

Both troopers were assigned to Hamilton Station, and were on-duty at the time of the accident.

This is the first line-of-duty death involving the New Jersey State Police since James Hoopes died in 2012.

The last traffic-related death was Trooper Marc Castellano, who was struck by a car while outside of his vehicle. Castellano was killed on I-195 in June 2010.

Photo: Trooper Anthony Raspa, courtesy of the State Police

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