Port Authority cop dies in NJ Turnpike crash

An off-duty Port Authority officer died in a one-car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Tuesday morning, authorities say.

The Port Authority Police Marine Corps Association, announcing Eamonn Mautone's death on its Facebook page Tuesday evening, said Mautone had been part of the authority's 113rd class, which graduated in August of 2014.

Mautone had been assigned to the Port Authority's World Trade Center command, the association said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," it said.

He was 25 years old.

A report by New Jersey Advance Media quoted State Police saying the accident occurred in the southbound truck lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike at around 3:20 a.m., when MAutone lost control of his Subaru and crashed into the left guard-rail. No other vehicles were involved.

It quoted Jason Nielsen, a fellow officer and classmate, calling Mautone " a guy that could put a smile on your face."

"Even during the toughest of times, he would always have a smile that could lift you up and it was an honor to have worked with him at the World Trade Center Command," the report quoted Nielsensaying.

Mautone's class, the 113th, was the largest to ever graduate from the Port Authority academy. He had also been a member of the Ocean County Emerald Society pipes & drums, according to Facebook posts Tuesday by the group.