WESTFIELD, NJ – August 4, 2025 — The quiet streets of Westfield were shattered by a heart-wrenching multi-vehicle crash on W. North Avenue, claiming the life of 71-year-old Edward “Ed” Russo, a cherished Kenilworth resident known for his gentle spirit and love for morning bike rides. The devastating incident has led to the arrest of 20-year-old Anthony Ramirez Velazquez of Perth Amboy, now facing severe charges, including Death by Auto, as the community grapples with grief and questions of justice.
The tragedy unfolded at 9:54 AM in the 1000 block of W. North Avenue, a moment that would forever alter the lives of those involved. According to Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro, the collision was sudden and catastrophic. Anthony Ramirez Velazquez, behind the wheel of a 2016 Acura IDX, was driving eastbound when his vehicle inexplicably veered into oncoming traffic. In a violent clash, the Acura collided head-on with a 2022 Ford Transit van traveling westbound. The impact was so forceful that it sent the van careening, overturning it and striking Edward Russo, who was peacefully pedaling his bicycle along the roadside.
First responders, including a Union County Police officer, Westfield Police, and Union County EMS, raced to the scene, their sirens cutting through the morning calm. Despite their valiant efforts to save him, Edward Russo succumbed to his injuries. Paramedics from Atlantic Health System pronounced him dead at the scene, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him. Miraculously, the driver and passengers of the Ford Transit van emerged unscathed, a small mercy in the face of such loss.
**A Suspect in Custody: Charges Mount**
As emergency crews worked to secure the scene, investigators turned their attention to the driver of the Acura. Anthony Ramirez Velazquez was arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence, a charge that would soon escalate. The Westfield Police Department’s Traffic Safety and Detective Bureaus, in collaboration with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, conducted a meticulous investigation. Their findings led to a litany of charges against Velazquez, painting a grim picture of responsibility:
– **Death by Auto** (2C:11-5b(1)), a second-degree crime
– **Assault by Auto** (2C:12-1c(2)), a third-degree crime
– **Assault by Auto** (2C:12-1c(1)), a fourth-degree crime
Processed at the Westfield Police Department, Velazquez was transferred to Essex County Jail, where he awaits the next steps in a legal process that could define his future. If convicted, the consequences are severe: up to 10 years in prison and $150,000 in fines for the Death by Auto charge, 3 to 5 years and $15,000 for the third-degree Assault by Auto, and up to 18 months with $10,000 in fines for the fourth-degree charge. A Superior Court judge will ultimately determine his fate, as the community watches closely, seeking justice for a life cut short.
**A Community Responds: Unity in Crisis**
The crash site became a hub of coordinated response, with the Westfield Fire Department, Union County Police Crash Analysis Unit, and Union County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit working tirelessly to investigate and clear the wreckage. Their efforts ensured that evidence was preserved, offering hope that answers would emerge from the chaos. Authorities have emphasized that Velazquez’s charges are allegations, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For those who witnessed the crash or captured it on dashcam, the Westfield Police Department urges contact at (908) 789-4000 or through Union County Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips. Every detail could prove vital in piecing together the events of that fateful morning.
**Ed Russo: A Life Remembered**
Edward Russo, known affectionately as Ed, was more than a name in a news report. At 71, he was a vibrant soul, a Kenilworth resident whose daily bike rides were a testament to his zest for life. Friends and neighbors recall a man whose quiet kindness and warm smile brightened their days. “Ed was a gentle soul,” one resident shared, voice trembling. “Always active, always waving hello. This should never have happened.”
His sudden departure has left his family and community reeling, grappling with a loss that feels both senseless and profound. Tributes have poured in, painting a picture of a man who lived simply but impacted deeply. As Westfield and Kenilworth mourn, they hold tight to memories of Ed’s morning rides, his steady presence, and the light he brought to those around him.
**A Call for Healing and Answers**
As the investigation continues, the tragedy on W. North Avenue serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the ripple effects of a single moment. The community now rallies to support Edward Russo’s family, offering prayers and condolences while seeking answers to prevent such heartbreak in the future. May Ed rest in eternal peace, his memory a beacon of love and resilience for a grieving town.
