Driver Allegedly Crashes Into Trooper’s Memorial While Under the Influence

A tragic irony unfolded in New Jersey as an alleged drunk driver crashed into a memorial for a state trooper killed by a motorist in 1992, highlighting the ongoing dangers of impaired driving.

At a Glance

David Neufield, 38, allegedly crashed into a memorial for fallen NJ Trooper Thomas Hanratty.
The incident occurred on August 31, 2024, near the spot where Trooper Hanratty was killed in 1992.
Neufield was charged with DUI and drug possession.
The crash emphasizes the persistent issue of impaired driving and its consequences.
Another recent DUI incident in NJ resulted in the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother.

Memorial Crash Details

On August 31, 2024, around 2 p.m., David Neufield, 38, reportedly veered off Interstate 78 in Union County, New Jersey, crashing into a roadside memorial. The memorial honored New Jersey State Trooper Thomas Hanratty, who was killed at the same location by a speeding motorist on April 2, 1992. Neufield was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and drug possession.

The incident caused significant damage to the memorial, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers troopers face and the importance of responsible driving. Neufield sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Remembering Trooper Hanratty

Trooper Thomas Hanratty was only 24 years old and had served with the New Jersey State Police for just over three years when he was killed during a routine traffic stop. His tragic death in 1992 highlights the risks law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty.

The New Jersey State Police emphasized the importance of safe and sober driving in response to this incident. The destruction of Trooper Hanratty’s memorial by an alleged drunk driver underscores the ongoing battle against impaired driving and its potentially devastating consequences.

Accused DUI driver crashes into memorial for NJ trooper killed by motorist in ‘92 https://t.co/eOyEXmKD3a pic.twitter.com/Qv7zY8Ektz

— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) September 8, 2024

Recent DUI Tragedy in New Jersey

In a separate but equally tragic recent incident, Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old field artillery officer in the New Jersey Army National Guard, is accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, in a suspected drunk driving crash. The incident occurred on August 31, 2024, around 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

“We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy,” Col Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, stated. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we share in the grief of the Gaudreau family.”

Higgins allegedly admitted to consuming “five to six beers” ahead of the accident and failed a field sobriety test. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. The Gaudreau brothers were in Salem County for their sister’s wedding, which was subsequently canceled following the tragic incident.

The Ongoing Battle Against Impaired Driving

These recent incidents in New Jersey underscore the persistent problem of impaired driving in the United States. Despite decades of public awareness campaigns and stricter laws, drunk driving continues to claim lives and destroy families. Law enforcement agencies nationwide are constantly working to prevent such tragedies through increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and public education efforts.

The destruction of Trooper Hanratty’s memorial and the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers serve as stark reminders of the importance of responsible driving. As communities mourn these losses, there is a renewed call for stricter enforcement of DUI laws and increased efforts to prevent impaired driving. The safety of our roads depends on every driver making the responsible choice not to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.