Union City Man, 22, Killed in Crash Involving Sanitation Truck

A 22-year-old Union City man was killed in a crash involving a sanitation truck and an electric scooter early Wednesday, Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello announced.

The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Union City Police Department are investigating the fatal crash, which occurred on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

According to authorities, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the Union City Police Department was notified of a collision involving a sanitation truck and an electric scooter. Responding officers found the operator of the scooter, later identified as Mauricio Rodriguez, 22, of Union City, with serious injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

The crash is being investigated by the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit with assistance from the Union City Police Department.

Rodriguez’s family said he was on his way to work when the crash occurred. In a fundraiser created to help cover funeral expenses, family members remembered him as a hardworking and kind young man with a heart of gold.

“His loss has left a deep emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the family wrote. “He will always be remembered as a special person who brought light into the lives of those who knew him.”

The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.