If you were caught up in Tuesday morning's shut down of eastbound 78, there was no happy ending to make it any better. A 29-year-old police officer from Summit, Matthew Tarentino, was killed in a three-car crash. It happened when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the grassy median and struck Tarentino's car and another automobile. The other drivers were injured.

Tarentino was on his way to work at the time. "With great sadness, the City of Summit Police Department announces the death of police Officer Matthew Tarentino at 6:20 a.m.," read a statement released by the Summit police.

He was married with two children and a third on the way. An unfathomable tragedy that should make us all angry unless the accident was due to a medical emergency. If this happened simply because someone was not paying attention, texting while driving, speeding excessively and lost control, etc., it is unforgivable.

Matthew Tarentino was the D.A.R.E officer within his department and was scheduled Tuesday to take part in a graduation ceremony for that program for fifth graders in Summit. Instead they'll be told of this horrific loss.

Yesterday was Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor those who died serving their country. Let today be a day we remember those who served their towns. RIP Officer Tarentino.

UPDATE: A second driver has died in the I-78 crash.

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