'So Senseless:' Report Says Wyckoff Man Died In Police Chase

Friends and others are still looking for answers after a Daily Voice report was published this week saying a 20-year-old New Jersey man died in a police chase.

Passaic County Prosecutors have not responded to questions about a Daily Voice report that said Frank Lavato of Wyckoff was killed in a fiery motorcycle crash while being chased by police earlier this week.

A Clifton police vehicle was chasing Lovato Monday when he crashed at Broad Street and Van Houten Avenue around 2 a.m., according to the Daily Voice.

"So senseless, so ridiculous," one person wrote in the tribute section, according to The Daily Voice. “From what I understand, they are supposed to back off any high-speed chase that could potentially hurt the person they are chasing."

Lovato, who was born in Teaneck and was raised in Wyckoff, was the manager of his family business, LaSalle Landscaping and Construction in Hackensack, according to his obituary from the Santangelo Funeral Home.

Other tributes remembered Lovato when he was a "sweet" and "adorable" boy.

"When I heard that a 20-year-old Frank from Wyckoff had died, I instantly feared that it was the sweet, slightly 'impish,' adorable little boy who I had the pleasure of teaching in fourth grade," another person wrote. "I can picture his face as if I saw him yesterday. Please know that Frank will forever be remembered and all of those who loved him will be kept in prayer."

Lovato was the beloved son of Frank Lovato and Christi Molta, according to his obituary, and devoted brother of Nicholas Lovato and Marissa Molta.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend a funeral on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Santangelo Funeral Home, 300 Main St., in Lodi, including an 11 a.m. Chapel Service. Visitation was Thursday 4 to 8 p.m. Private cremation was to follow.