One police officer is dead and another one is hurt after a crash Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities say Lt. Christopher Zerby, 41, had been in the car with Lt. Keith Buckley when they lost control and crashed into a utility pole. They would not say whose car it was or who was driving, but said both officers were on duty at the time of the crash.

Zerby and Buckley were taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, where Zerby died. Buckley was treated for injuries he sustained in the crash.

Flags were half staff at the North Brunswick Police Department, where Zerby was a 15-year veteran. Workers were permitted to leave early Tuesday to cope with the grief brought on by Zerby?s death. Zerby grew up in the community and was well-known and liked by many.

The lieutenant is survived by his wife, two children and his parents.