Pregnant Long Island Native Killed in NJ Crash Had 'Light That Glowed Bright'

BY JASON KOESTENBLATT

Funeral arrangements have been set for a family of three who were killed in a multi-car crash on Route 80 in New Jersey on July 11.

While the trio has not been identified by local or state authorities, obituaries have been written and services set for Briana Anderson, 21, Edward Russell Hitt, 24, and their daughter, Charlotte, one and-a-half, in Crestwood, Kentucky.

Anderson was a native of East Islip, N.Y. and loved traveling to New York City, her obituary said. When she became a mother, “anyone knew her could see the light that glowed all the brighter as she took care of her beautiful daughter,” the memorial reads.

Anderson “adored” her fiancé Russell and daughter and “always made sure their needs came first.” The family was expecting a child in December; Anderson was 18 weeks pregnant.

Hitt was a native of Johnson County, Kentucky, his obituary said.

See related:

• Cops: Drunk Driver Crashes, Kills 3 in Fiery Multi-Car Wreck on Route 80
• Woman Killed in Rt. 80 Crash Was Pregnant, Alleged Drunk Driver Arrested 6 Times
• 19 Tickets, 12 Suspensions in 2 Years for Alleged Drunk Driver in Triple-Fatal Crash

The family was driving westbound on Route 80 in Rockaway Township around 1:40 a.m. Saturday, July 11, when they were allegedly rear-ended by a Cadillac Escalade, driven by Bhavuk Uppal, 22, of Mountain Lakes.

As a result of the crash, the car carrying Anderson and Hitt crashed into the vehicle in front of them, which led to their car becoming engulfed in flames. All three died as a result.

Two occupants in the front vehicle were taken to Morristown Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Uppal was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including driving while intoxicated, three counts of death by auto, two counts of assault by auto, and driving while suspended.

Uppal is currently lodged in jail on $750,000 bail with no 10-percent option.

A visitation for Anderson and Hitt is set for 5 p.m. at Crestwood Baptist Church in Crestwood, Kentucky, with a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18 at the same location. All arrangements made by Stoess Funeral Home.