2 bikers, including NJ correctional officer, die in Route 78 crash

🚨Two motorcyclists were riding on Route 78

🚨They are members of the Felony Riderz motorcycle club

🚨Sherman Bardouille was a correctional officer for Essex County

BERKELEY HEIGHTS — Two men, including a correctional officer, died after being thrown from their motorcycles while riding on Route 78 early Sunday evening.

Sherman Bardouille, 31, of Irvington, and Tamir Lee, 42, of Newark, were riding east near Exit 43 when Bardouille’s motorcycle hit the back of a Honda passenger vehicle, causing Lee’s motorcycle to collide with Bardouille.  Bardouille struck a Lexus SUV and veered off the roadway hitting a sign just after 6 p.m.

Both Bardouille and Lee were ejected from their motorcycles and were pronounced dead at the scene.

No one else was injured in the crash, according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.

ALSO READ: Missing man didn't want to be found: Leads NJ cops on water chase

Leaders in a motorcycle club

Bardouille is a correctional officer with the Essex County Department of Corrections, according to New Jersey PBA President Peter Andreyev. This was first reported by RLS Metro Breaking News.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Bardouille’s loved ones during this difficult time, as well as Mr. Lee’s. This was a tragic accident that cut short the lives of two Essex County community members, leaving holes in the lives of their friends and families that will never be filled," Essex County Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said in a statement. "We hope the other individuals caught up in this traumatic experience are also able to find peace.”

Lee was president of the Felony Riderz motorcycle club and Bardouille the club's sergeant at arms, according to the club's Instagram page.

The club plans a balloon release in their honor at Weeqhuaic Park in Newark on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Ten people have died on Union County roads this year, according to State Police records.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom