On October 28, 2008, at about 5:45 a.m., Christopher LaRoche and his coworker parked along the shoulder on the southbound side of the New Jersey turnpike near milepost 47.8, because they believed another vehicle may have been involved in an accident. While returning to their truck, Chris was struck by a passing tractor-trailer.

Chris was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tractor-trailer did not stop after striking him. Investigators are looking for the tractor-trailer and driver.