Bus Fatally Strikes Man at Bloomfield Intersection
A man was struck and killed by an NJ Transit bus on Wednesday morning, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s office.
Photos
An unidentified pedestrian was struck and killed Wednesday morning by an NJ Transit bus on Bay Avenue near the intersection of Broad Street in Bloomfield, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office has confirmed.
Details on the victim’s identity have not yet been released.
“He was pronounced dead at 10:54 am,” said Kathy Carter, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office. “We have to notify next of kin before I can release any identifying information.”
Carter said the pedestrian was struck by an NJ Transit bus at around 10:00 a.m. She said more information would be forthcoming when officers at the scene released a full report.
“The man was chasing the bus and was trying to board it but he wasn’t able to gain access,” said one Bloomfield man who declined to give his name. “He fell under the back wheels of the bus.”
He said authorities were, "interviewing the driver and the poor individuals who were on the bus,” adding, “He was a young man. It’s pretty scary.”
“The only one who saw what happened was a kid in black pants and a black shirt,” said an employee of the Exxon gas station at the intersection who did not wish to have his name published. “The kid was screaming.” He said he saw a woman -- who was at the scene and called the police -- begin to faint.
"She couldn't stand up," he said. "Some men helped her walk."
Domenick Rotondo, the manager of the Exxon Station recalled, “I saw one young kid yelling and a lady crying.” He said he had arrived at work just after the accident occurred. “The bus was already barricaded. The first cop pulled up just as I pulled up.”
At around 12:40 pm, police and fire department vehicles blocked off the section of Bay Avenue where the accident occurred, just near the Broad Street intersection, protecting the victim's body which was covered by a white sheet. Authorities concealed the sight with a wall of white sheeting as traffic continued to flow north and south on Broad Street. Yellow police tape surrounded the scene.
A few curious onlookers spoke quietly to one another as they watched.
“The police said they are going to look at our video to see what happened,” said Mayank Ray, whose wife owns the 7-Eleven store at the intersection of Broad and Bay. “The store was so busy no one saw what happened. But when people heard it was a young man, there was a bad reaction.”
He added that the victim had been carrying a 7-Eleven bag when he was struck.
"What's the bad luck with this corner?" said the Exxon worker, referring to a car crash that occurred on the same corner last Friday. A Bloomfield man was hospitalized in that accident and released later, according to the Bloomfield Police Department.
This is a developing story. Please check back soon for more details.
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Lisa Torrisi-Ruiz
3:51 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Was there really a need to show the sheet covering the dead body? Sad even the patch goes in for shock value. Disgraceful.
Pam
8:41 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I agree! Why the need to show that!
satish
10:35 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Disagree with that. The media should present the news exactly as it is without opinions, or censorship as long as personal information is not made public. I believe that if we saw more ot those "white sheets" the stupidity of drivers and pedestrians would subside greatly. Its our lack of reality making us as a society so agressive and takes away common sence. We do not want to see anymore white sheets, but whenever there is one it should be reported with the pictures, kind like the Star Ledger does in the Essex County secion.
Enzo DiCostanzo
10:24 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Hi Lisa, I know those images are unnerving and certainly what happened at that intersection was a tragedy; we have had a few tragedies at the same location the past few weeks. But those images represent Bloomfield today in 2012 and the voters and the citizens need to be aware of the reality that we live everyday. See Ella street and Charles street at 4PM on a school day and you will know tragedy and criminal activity to a degree we have never seen in Bloomfield in my 30 years living here! Open illegal drug use and dealing, violent fights, street gang activity, and on and on for ten years...truly unbelievable activities and a local government that will go to great lengths to hide all of it from your view!
Of the three local news sources for Bloomfield, Linda is by far the most professional and legitimate source of news...I want to encourage her to continue to work in the same manner as she has been and the facts are what they are....we can't hide this stuff anymore!
Liz
4:36 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Was on my way to work when this happened. My thoughts and prayers are with him amd his family! God Bless and RIP who ever you are!
Candace
5:53 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I was there it was terrifying i almost cried inwas there with my friend we saw it happend we screamed in shock it was a bad exsperience i was with nyana
nancy
2:58 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2012
i was there also, we were passing by, in a car, as soon as i saw all of the emergency vehicles & the white sheet I jumped out of the car and went to the scene... unfortunately I couldn't get close but i saw a woman near shaking & screaming so I did my best to comfort her... My condolences to the Victim & his family!!
Linda Federico-O'Murchu
7:07 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Candace, can you email me? Linda@Patch.com. Thanks so much!
NVAbreu
9:35 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Does anyone know what this young mans name is? I saw the aftermath of the accident as they were getting ready to put the white sheet on him and it was so sad....
Joelle Witczak
9:44 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
how old was he?
Jane Doe
12:24 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
22 years old..
Linda Federico-O'Murchu
10:12 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
There has been no confirmation yet as to the victim's identity. Keep checking back -- we'll certainly let you know as we know. As for the photo, Patch would never publish an image of the victim but, since even the picture of him covered by the sheet bothered some readers, it has been taken down. We apologize for offending anyone.
Lisa Torrisi-Ruiz
8:41 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Thank you Linda, I understand with what Satish above said and I think its an interesting way of looking at it. But I am able to visualize just fine without the image being there and I also think that journalism should be truthful and non-bias yet no need for sensationalism and gore and thats the only thing that showing the photo was. Again, I thank you Linda.
Emily
10:24 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
i saw the aftermath of this event the picture of that dude cover with the white sheet is like scaring me to death, but i went to church tonight and prayed for that guy i hope he in a goodplace now! Rip whomever u are!!!
NVAbreu
2:16 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
RIP to your friend I am so sorry for your loss....
James Little
4:21 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Deshon was only 22 and he did not want to die. He walked 20 minutes from Montclair to catch that bus in Bloomfield just to take him 5 minutes up the street to his job at Home Depot. His name is not desean mason and that is disrespectful to even say because you clearly don't know him. His name was Deshon Johnson and he was my best friend and brother, and me and all of his brothers and friends and family miss him and want answers for why our friend was just hit by a bus and left for dead for 3 hours in the street and never taken to a hospital.
Lisa Torrisi-Ruiz
8:43 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Oh Mr. Little, my heart breaks for you, his loved ones and espeically for his parents. That boy (and he is still a little boy to me) has been taken too soon. This tragedy is bothering me terribly. My condolences for your loss.
Linda A Amill
10:09 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
May Deshon be at peace now. My heart goes out to his whole family. I did not know Deshon but I know what you are going through. I lost my daughter when she was 23. The world has lost another special person. Heaven has gained a special Angel. He will watch over his whole family.
Linda Federico-O'Murchu
10:19 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
James, I sent you an email. Please call me or email me at Linda@Patch.com. Thank you very much.
jerome smith
6:53 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
He had clearly passed by law they can not touch the body it is now a scene of investigation. May god bless him. And the entire staff involved in doing this investigation the proper way by the USA law process.
Meek
9:06 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Rip sean
James Little
9:23 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Thank you all for your prayers. Deshon was a very nice young man and he is above us watching over us now.
Pete Mock
1:02 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Most certainly James, and he will be with you always. I cannot imagine the sadness you feel now. My sympathies to you and all of Deshon's family and friends.
Len Roberts
9:39 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Why is Mayank Ray at the 7-11 Store smiling and why did Bloomfield Patch publish this photo of him? A man was killed accidentally in front of his store...
Pete Mock
1:07 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I don't know Len, in the full size photo it looks more like a wince than a smile. Even if it is a smile, it seems hard to fault the guy, since it's a pretty common reaction to smile when someone goes to take your picture. I'm sure he was just as upset about what happened as everyone else.
NVAbreu
10:09 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I agree with Len...
francine czerepusko
10:14 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
James,
So very sorry for the loss of your loved one Deshon. He was much to young to go. What a tragedy this was for everyone. May his family and friends find the strength to get through this difficult time. Sending prayers.
fxja
11:09 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Just sadness at the many folks who have been killed or injured on the entire length of Broad Street! I pray redevelopment continues throughout town. I wish we can have a bike path ala nyc connecting Watsessing and Brookdale. The sidewalk-bike-path-car-spot arrangement with bumpouts for crossing pedestrians can go a long way in reducing the danger on these roads. Just imagine memorializing these bumpouts/pocket-parks for these victims, for example.
Liz
11:17 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
liz
Our Prayers go out to the family may he rest in peace, another lost of a young men!
Kurt Torster
11:22 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
This is a tragic and senseless loss. RIP to your friend.
I get so worried trying to cross Broad Street between the Krauzers and Provident Bank as the crossing light has been out for months and drivers there either make the illegal right on red or stop in the crosswalk. I let the mayor know last week and he said he would let the county know. Hopefully this gets acted upon quickly with the kids out of school for the summer.
satish
11:34 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Knowing how the County and Joe D. Operates, don't hold your breth.
Delano
1:33 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Deshon Rest in peace we had our disagreements but a friendship that dated back 10 years shouldve never been broken just wish i couldve laughed with you one last time and been more of a friend and now its too late i miss you and i love you... Naomi I am going to pray for you and i hope you keep your head up.
hbunny
2:26 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I was at the corner when it happened and ran to him to try to help him, I am a RN...He sounds like a good friend and a hard worker...R.I.P.
Linda Federico-O'Murchu
2:49 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
@hbunny: can you email me asap? Linda@Patch.com. Thanks so much.
Jamal
6:04 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Deshon was a good man, I had the pleasure of working with him throughout the entire time Ive been employed at our job. Always a very cool guy and never negative in anyway. Still can't believe what happened. Indeed one of the coolest people I've known by far. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
LaShonda
8:23 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
In high school Deshon was always quiet but would hold a great conversation with you if you talked to him i used to see him at home depot & it was always a smile. I pray for your mother for she has lost her only son but gained such a special angel. Tommorow i will bring you both flowers for God must have a beautiful plan. RIP DESHON JOHNSON BELOVED MHS ALUMNI
J Williams
11:14 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
I'm one of the ladies in the photo in front of the gas station and I see no reason for publishing that picture as well as the one wit Mayank as neither photo has any relevance to this tragedy......but in any case my heart and deepest condolences go out to this young man's family and friends, just to have been there during this tragedy is disturbing sad and heart wrenching smh I continue to pray as I have to see that spot everyday at work
mary shaughnessy
12:33 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
Linda, I think you did the right thing by publishing the photo. The boy's body is covered so I don't believe the picture shows disrespect. This was a terrible accident that took the life of a beautiful young man; I can only imagine the agony his family is going through right now--or the pain of those who were at the scene. There have been other episodes in town where wonderful people with loving families have been killed because of a split-second decision to rush into the street to catch a bus for fear of being late for work (something I have done myself). The picture is a very painful reminder that terrible things can happen when we run into a busy thoroughfare where drivers may not see us or be able to react fast enough to prevent tragedy--one that leaves many victims, including the loved ones we leave behind. Because the picture is so vivid, it may help to more thoroughly fix in our minds that we take a chance every time we step into a busy roadway. My deepest condolences are with the boy's family.
Shaylah Cooper
3:25 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
Rest in peace my brother. Never will I ever stop missing and loving you! Our family is devastated. This feeling I have I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I love you! Thank you all for your support! Deshon is and will always be missed!
Rel Victoria
3:41 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
The article is very well written, and it's very much a tragedy, but I have a few things to say:
1) Why the hell is there a picture of the store owner/worker here? He is not at all relevant. We could do without a picture of him smiling there.
2) It was an absolute accident, people. The bus driver and the passengers were HORRIFIED. My mother works at the hospital in the Emergency Department, and the doctors were saying that the bus driver felt so horrible. He couldn't hear Deshon knocking at the back window of the bus, especially sitting at the front. Even if a case went to the court, it wouldn't be won, because it wasn't anyone's fault. It was pure accident.
3) I don't think we should be trying to mooch information off of people in the comments who knew him and are already going through so much grief. Have some respect for the friends and family of this poor man. Let them gather their bearings, and when they want to talk about it, they will. I lost my three year-old cousin back on Halloween, and I sure as hell know that I didn't want to talk about it for a long time.
James Little
2:26 am on Sunday, July 22, 2012
The family would like to thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers. Deshon's mom would like for everyone to know that the wake will be on Tuesday July 24th from 6-9pm. The wake will be held at Cotton Funeral Services, 130 Main Street, East Orange. The funeral will be on Wednesday July 25th and start at 10:00 at Christ Church, 68 Church Street, Montclair.