A map view of Sparta Avenue in Sparta, where a 71-year-old man was struck and killed by a garbage truck this morning.
SPARTA — A senior citizen was struck and killed instantly by a garbage truck early this morning on Sparta Avenue.
James Friedberg, 71, was killed on impact by the Blue Diamond Disposal truck at 6:39 a.m., said Sgt. John-Paul Beebe of the Sparta Police.
The driver of the garbage truck tried to avoid Friedberg, but was unable to do so, Beebe said. The roads were wet and it was still dark out at that time of the morning, the officer added.
However, no charges have been filed in the accident — and there is no evidence of impairment, speeding or any kind of reckless driving by the truck operator at this point in the investigation, Beebe said. Two township police officers are in the process of reconstructing the accident.
There were several eyewitnesses to the fatality, Beebe added.
Friedberg was a widower living at the Knoll Properties senior community right near where he was hit, Beebe said. The retiree was the township’s longtime animal control officer, before retiring about a decade ago, Beebe added.