A New Jersey high school wrestling standout has died after a tragic e-bike crash involving a UPS truck.
Chase Sudano, 16, was killed Tuesday in Southampton Township, New Jersey, after the electric bike he was riding collided with a UPS truck near his home.
According to police reports, the crash happened near the intersection of Tranquility Court and North Firelane Road in Burlington County. Sudano was thrown from the e-bike and suffered fatal injuries.
Sudano was a sophomore at St. Augustine Prep, where he had already become one of New Jersey’s rising wrestling stars. He was a District 29 champion and had recorded 65 career wins in just two seasons.
His coaches and family remembered him as determined, funny, kind and full of energy. St. Augustine wrestling coach Bill Ward said Sudano was the kind of athlete who always had a smile on his face and made others smile too.
Sudano’s father, Tony Sudano, described his son as his best friend and said the family wants people to remember Chase for who he was, not only for the accident. His younger brother, Justin, said Chase was strong, smart and someone he looked up to.
The UPS driver reportedly tried to help after the crash, according to Sudano’s father. UPS also released a statement saying the company was heartbroken by the tragedy and is cooperating with authorities.
The crash remains under investigation, and police have not publicly said what caused the collision.
Sudano’s death has deeply shaken the New Jersey wrestling community. Tributes have poured in from teammates, coaches, wrestling clubs and fans who watched him grow into a talented young athlete.
His team is already considering ways to honor him during the next wrestling season, including wearing his initials on their uniforms.
The tragedy also comes as New Jersey prepares to introduce stricter rules for e-bikes, including new licensing, helmet, registration and insurance requirements.
