On October 23, 2025, our beloved son, Ethan Patrick Schultz, tragically lost his life under the State Park Road overpass that crosses Rt. 80 at mile marker 14 in Frelinghuysen Township, NJ. Ethan would have turned 21 four days later. As parents, we can attest to his immense potential and the bright future that was so senselessly cut short. He was not just our son, but a loving brother to his older brothers Christopher and Joshua. His sudden departure has left an unfillable void in our lives. He was a handsome, intelligent, funny, and thoughtful young man. He was on a journey to discover what he wanted out of life, and was working towards his goals.

Ethan was raised in Northeast Pennsylvania and then moved to Winterville, North Carolina. He spent countless hours enriching the lives of others through his volunteer work with local charities and youth groups. His compassion and charitable disposition touched everyone he encountered, creating a tapestry of charity that stretched across our community.

After graduating from high school, Ethan enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Oak Hill. Unfortunately, an accident onboard his ship left him disabled, and he was discharged from his duties. After coming home, he was hired by the T/A Truck Stop in Columbia, NJ to continue his diesel training. In a few months, Ethan was promoted to roadside service. On the morning he died, he had been dispatched to assist a disabled tractor-trailer on I-80 at the State Park Road underpass. At around 6:37 a.m. Ethan was struck by a passing box truck; the driver never stopped to investigate what happened or even call 911. The rescue crew that arrived said Ethan died instantly, but thankfully 14 hours later the New Jersey State Police had identified and located the driver, and arrested and charged him with Ethan’s death.

We continue to wait for justice for our son.

And now we want to share with you what we are hoping to accomplish in our son’s name.

We are proposing that the overpass that connects the north and south sides of State Park Road be renamed the “Ethan Patrick Schultz Memorial Overpass”. The change would serve as a constant reminder of his impact and the genuine kindness he shared with our world. More so than just a name on a sign, this memorial would stand as a testament to the importance of the Slow Down Move Over laws and the impact on countless lives when this law is not obeyed. One dead… dozens wounded in the case of Ethan Schultz. Ethan, like thousands of other first responders, deserve to return home after their shift. And sadly, some do not.

The process of renaming infrastructure like a bridge requires the support of public officials and the community alike. We believe that this small, but meaningful act will weave Ethan’s legacy into the fabric of our lives and remind everyone of the high cost of not obeying move over laws.

We urge state and local lawmakers to consider this honorary renaming proposal. Please lend your voice and your signature to support our endeavor to memorialize Ethan and those whose lives have been taken in a similar manner. Let us come together to make ‘The Ethan Patrick Schultz Memorial Overpass’ a reality. Please sign this petition to honor a young life that was tragically cut short and all of those other brave men and women who risk their lives to save ours. Ethan was not the only one that didn’t make it home after his shift.