'Beloved' Teen Who Just Got ROTC Promotion Dies In I-78 Crash: PD

WATCHUNG, NJ — Anthony Steitz had just had been named the battalion commander of the Union High School Junior ROTC for his senior year.

On the way back from the banquet in Scotch Plains, Steitz's car left the road and crashed into trees in Watching, Boll said. He later died of his injuries.

"Anthony is one of most beloved people to have ever gone through the system," Michael Boll of the New Jersey Veterans Network said. "He was most aggressive in offering any help he could and volunteered countless hours to the ROTC and community as well."

Now he's gone.

Steitz, 17, of Union was identified by police as the fatal victim in a single car crash on I-78 in Watchung over the weekend.

Union High School Principal Althea Bossard sent an email on Sunday night about counseling and emotional assistance that is available for students in regards to Steitz’s death, according to tapinto.net.

Steitz came from a firefighter family who had always given back to the community. He continued his family's legacy by continuing to give back in anyway he could.

Boll noted that Steitz volunteered for numerous events for the NJVN including collecting money for Puerto Rico relief following the hurricane,collecting business suits for veterans, and much more.

"His face was always involved in every function in Union and Union County," Boll said. "You know sometimes people don't realize how loved one person was — he was one person that was truly beloved by the community."

Steitz had also recently joined the Army National Guard and was going to be attending boot camp this summer.

On Saturday, April 27 at 11:33 p.m., Steitz was driving a Toyota on I-78 east when his car went off the road at milepost 42 in Watchung on the right side and stuck several trees, Goez said.

Steitz sustained several injuries and was transported to Morristown Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the hospital on Sunday morning, Goez said.

There were no other passengers in the car or vehicles involved in the crash.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, Goez said.

In honor of Steitz, his family is putting together a scholarship through the NJ Veteran's Network.

Boll said the NJVN will also be doing a special walk on Memorial Day in Union during the parade to honor him.

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