Police Identify Scotch Plains Man Killed in Storm-Related Crash on Raritan Road Friday

Scotch Plains police have identified the victim of a fatal storm-related car crash on Friday, July 3, on Raritan Road as Jared C. Hirschowitz, 41, of Scotch Plains.

Hirschowitz was driving with his family when a large tree limb snapped and fell onto the hood and windshield of his vehicle shortly after 8 p.m., police said.

According to a preliminary investigation, a silver 2023 Kia wagon was traveling eastbound on Raritan Road during a brief but intense storm when high winds caused a large tree limb to break and fall just before Quimby Lane. The limb landed directly on the vehicle's hood and windshield. The vehicle then veered off the roadway and struck a bush and a tree. Hirschowitz sustained fatal injuries in the crash, authorities said.

Union County Life is reporting on this fatal traffic incident. A 40-year-old female passenger in the front seat was treated at the scene and transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with non-life-threatening injuries.

Scotch Plains Police Chief David Lavery issued a statement expressing condolences. "The department extends its deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Lavery said.

The crash remains under active investigation by the Scotch Plains Police Department, the Union County Crash Team, and the Union County Medical Examiner's Office. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Scotch Plains Police Department at 908-322-7100.

For more information about Scotch Plains public safety and community news, stay informed on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What happened on Raritan Road on July 3?
A: A silver 2023 Kia wagon was traveling eastbound on Raritan Road during a severe storm when high winds caused a large tree limb to break and fall on the vehicle's hood and windshield just before Quimby Lane. The vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a bush and tree.

Q: Who was killed in the crash?
A: Jared C. Hirschowitz, 41, of Scotch Plains was killed in the crash. He sustained fatal injuries when the tree limb fell on his vehicle.

Q: What time did the crash occur?
A: The crash occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, during a brief but intense storm.

Q: Were there other people in the vehicle?
A: Yes. A 40-year-old female passenger in the front seat was treated at the scene and transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with non-life-threatening injuries.

Q: Who is investigating the crash?
A: The crash is under active investigation by the Scotch Plains Police Department, the Union County Crash Team, and the Union County Medical Examiner's Office.

Q: How can I report information about the crash?
A: Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Scotch Plains Police Department at 908-322-7100.