Luis Fernando Cevallos, 24, and his as-yet unidentified 27-year-old passenger were pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:15 a.m. crash on Tonnelle Avenue at the Paterson Plank Road overpass.
The tractor-trailer, whose driver was making an early delivery, was perpendicular across Route 1&9 when it was struck behind the rear wheel by their southbound 2022 Kia Stinger, township Police Capt. David Dowd said.
The top of the Kia was sheared off, he said, adding that the sedan went another 30 to 40 feet before it stopped.
The rig’s driver emerged unscathed, the captain said.
High speed – confirmed by area surveillance video – appeared to be the only factor, responders said.
More than $10,200 had been raised as of Aug. 4 on a GoFundMe for Cevallos' family.
"Even though he left this world so soon, he touched the lives of many friends and family members with his positive attitude, caring heart, and charming charisma," organizer Amanda Roa writes.
"He always made sure that those around him were okay and put their needs before his own."
CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS
Click here to follow Daily Voice Elizabeth and receive free news updates.