Freak Accident: Deer Falls from Garden State Parkway Overpass, Smashing SUV and Trapping Driver
file photo
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, A bizarre and terrifying wildlife accident on a major North Jersey roadway left a local driver trapped inside her vehicle after a deer fell from an overpass directly onto her SUV.
The unusual crash, which occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 9, 2026, highlights the unpredictable hazards wildlife can pose to motorists traveling near wooded highway corridors in Bergen County.
Details of the Paramus Road Incident
According to the Paramus Police Department, the incident took place at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Paramus Road, directly beneath the Garden State Parkway overpass.
Investigators established the following sequence of events:
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The Vehicle: A northbound 2025 Hyundai Tucson was traveling in the right lane of Paramus Road.
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The Impact: A deer fell from the Parkway overpass above, striking the driver’s side of the passing SUV.
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The Driver: The vehicle was operated by a 44-year-old female resident of Hackensack.
Driver Trapped Following Structural Vehicle Damage
The force of the falling animal severely damaged the Hyundai Tucson, specifically impacting the driver’s-side door frame. The metal became heavily impinged, twisting the frame and preventing the driver from opening the door to exit normally.
Paramus Police Officer Joseph Mastrofilipo arrived quickly at the scene and assisted the driver, helping her free herself from the wreckage.
Authority updates on the aftermath confirmed:
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Injuries: The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received immediate medical treatment following her rescue.
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Other Vehicles: No other motorists or vehicles were involved in the collision.
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The Wildlife: The deer was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Chief Issues Warning on Roadway Wildlife Hazards
The freak accident remains under active investigation by the Paramus Police Department.
Paramus Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti issued a statement emphasizing that while the circumstances were highly unusual, the event serves as a critical reminder for local drivers. Guidetti noted that the crash underscores the constant hazards wildlife can pose to motorists, particularly when traveling adjacent to major highways, overpasses, and densely wooded suburban areas.
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Tags: #ParamusNJ #BergenCounty #GardenStateParkway #ParamusPolice #TrafficAlert #NJNews #WildlifeHazards
