Car goes off Route 80, killing passenger and causing big delays

ROCKAWAY — A car that went off Route 80 caused major delays on Sunday afternoon and sent two Dover men to the hospital.

State Police spokesman Trooper Alejandro Goez said a Hyundai Genesis carrying two men left the westbound lanes near Exit No. 35 for Mt. Hope Road in Rockaway just before 3 p.m.and hit  several trees.

The passenger, Joshua Rivas, 20, was flown to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. Goez said Rivas later succumbed to  his injuries.

Driver Lisandro Lorenzo, 20, suffered what Goez described as non-life threatening injuries.

Route 80 was closed in both directions to allow a medical helicopter to respond to the scene and the ensuing investigation and cleanup before reopening.

The eastbound lanes were reopened around 6 p.m. and the westbound lanes were cleared around 7 p.m.

Goez did not say what caused the car to leave the road.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

More from New Jersey 101.5: