Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer died after falling from a ninth-floor window

A Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer died Friday morning after falling from a ninth-floor window of the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City.

The officer, identified as 29-year-old Justin Rivera, was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center shortly after 10 a.m.

According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement responded to the scene just before 9:30 a.m. after reports of an injured officer.

Rivera was found outside the building on Central Avenue. A preliminary investigation by the Homicide and Internal Affairs Units suggests the fall was accidental.

The building was closed to the public at the time due to an unrelated power outage, and Rivera was on duty when the incident occurred. The exact cause and circumstances remain under investigation by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.

Witnesses described hearing glass shatter before seeing Rivera fall. Steve Roosen, who was nearby, said he observed officers attempting CPR before emergency medical personnel arrived.

“I heard glass shatter and then immediately looked up and saw a guy coming straight down,” Roosen said.

Other witnesses reported seeing two individuals at the broken window immediately after the fall.

Rivera, a former Bayonne police officer, was a father and co-owner of Bayonne Boxing, a local gym. Friends and community members gathered outside the gym Friday, leaving flowers and sharing memories.

Devin Ortiz, who trained with Rivera, called him a “phenomenal athlete” and mentor. “I’m in shock,” Ortiz said. “He was a great coach, a great person.”

Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari described Rivera’s death as “one of the saddest and most horrific days” for the department, praising him as an “excellent officer and outstanding young man.” Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis also expressed condolences, noting Rivera’s dedication to public safety and his young daughter.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has not released further details but stated the investigation is ongoing. Counseling services have been made available to Rivera’s colleagues and first responders.