A crash involving an SUV and a motorcycle in Hudson County left an off-duty police officer dead.

County prosecutors say the accident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. Friday in Jersey City. Officer Morton Otundo, 40, was pronounced dead a short time later. He was riding the motorcycle at the time of the crash.

Otundo joined the Jersey City force in 2014. Mayor Steven Fulop’s office released a statement saying, "This is a great loss to the JCPD and the entire Jersey City community. Officer Otundo leaves behind a lasting legacy throughout the entire police department through his two younger brothers, who are also on the force, as well as the many officers with whom he took the time to mentor, sharing his knowledge to help provide guidance and ultimately strengthen the department overall. We send our deepest condolences to Officer Otundo’s family."

Authorities say a 30-year-old city resident who was driving the SUV was attempting to make a left turn when the collision occurred. The SUV driver was taken to a hospital to be evaluated, but further details were not disclosed.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.