Man Jumps From Overpass After GSP Wreck, Dies

A man died Sunday evening after he jumped from a Garden State Parkway overpass before exit 137. He had been involved in a motor vehicle accident only moments before.

Todd Hugus, 30, of Tinton Falls jumped from the overpass, fell about 30 feet and landed near a set of railroad tracks in Cranford shortly after state troopers arrived at the scene of the accident. Police communications indicated the victim suffered injuries to the head, pelvis, chest, abdomen and lower extremities.

A helicopter landed at Hillside Avenue School, though it remains unclear if Hugus was airlifted or transported by ground. He was pronounced dead at 8:30 p.m., said State Police Sgt. Stephen Jones.

The accident, which occurred in the northbound lane of the Parkway at about 7:30 p.m., is still under investigation. The reason Hugus jumped from the overpass is also unclear. Jones said that the victim's family had indicated that he had been known to have medical issues.

Traffic was backed up on the Parkway before exit 137 and along Centennial Avenue. Trains were temporarily stopped.

Cranford fire, police and volunteer first aid squads responded to the incident.

No other serious injuries were reported.