New Jersey: One Year Later: Hit-and-Run Death of Somerville Firefighter Remains Unsolved

The disturbing death of firefighter George Kavanaugh one year ago today hangs heavy over the borough like the black funeral bunting draping the entrance to a firehouse when a firefighter dies. Kavanaugh, 75, was killed by a hit-and-run driver outside the Lincoln Hose Company Firehouse on Warren Street around 9:30 p.m. March 6, 2015. Earlier that evening, he and dozens of fellow firefighters had attended the funeral of another firefighter, Charlie Becker.

They had gathered at the firehouse afterwards to share stories about their fellow firefighter..He had walked outside with friend and fellow firefighter George Riehman to head home. Riehman was going to give him a lift and walked towards his car. Kavanaugh was waiting for Riehman when he was struck. Riehman told police the hit-and-run driver backed over his friend and then drove forward, striking him a second time.

Riehman described the vehicle as a light-colored SUV, but told investigators he hadn’t gotten a good look at the driver.

Kavanaugh was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset where he succumbed to his injuries. Left behind are his wife Anita, and several children.

An investigation ensued, but there have been no arrests.