Off-duty Jersey City firefighter, Navy vet killed in crash

JERSEY CITY — An off-duty firefighter died in a crash early Thursday morning.

The Jersey City Fire Department identified the firefighter as Matt Nierstadt.  He was a passenger in a crash on Paterson Plank Road at Congress Street around 2 a.m, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.

Nierstadt is the nephew of retired Capt. Richie Nierstadt.

Several other people in the vehicle were injured, according to the report.

The Facebook page for Big House JCFD Engine 5 and Ladder Tower 6  recalled how Nierstadt's "humor lit up the room."

"His light was extinguished too soon. He will be missed by all his JCFD family. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this time," it said.

Nierstedt previously served in the military and was sworn in as as firefighter a year ago last November, according to NJ.com.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexander