Mills Reservation Fatal Fall: Fundraiser Started For Firefighter’s Family

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — According to Kerry James Rivera’s teenage sweetheart and wife of 25 years, Rena Mason Rivera, when people remember her husband they’ll think of seven words: “To know him was to love him.”

Rivera, a Wayne resident and 13-year veteran of the Paterson Fire Department, died after falling off a cliff while bicycling on Monday at Mills Reservation in Essex County, which is located in Montclair and Cedar Grove. Police said that Rivera, 49, was apparently riding his mountain bike near the edge of the road when he lost control and fell about 20 feet onto a rocky ledge below.

Rivera’s brother was bicycling with him at the time and reported the incident to police, who have said that his death appears to be accidental and that no foul play is suspected.

• See related article: Biker Falls To His Death At Mills Reservation

Friends and family have started an online fundraiser to help defray the expenses Rena and their three children, Elijah, Ezra and Eden, will face moving forward. As of Wednesday, the campaign has raised more than $6,000.

See the fundraiser or make a donation here.

According to the fundraiser:

“Our hearts break for the loss of a true hero to both his family and the community. A loving husband, devoted father, dedicated Paterson fireman, community servant and sports enthusiast, Kerry was the definition of a hero, in every sense of the word. Tragically, Kerry left this earth too soon on the morning of Monday, June 26, while bike riding with his brother. On behalf of the Rivera family and in an effort to defray the many expenses Rena will face for their family and their 3 beautiful children, Elijah, Ezra and Eden, we have established this fund. Any and all donations to the Rivera family would be extremely appreciated.”

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Photo: GoFundMe