A Jersey City police lieutenant on his way to work was struck and killed on the New Jersey Turnpike after he stopped to help a motorist.

New Jersey State Police say that Lt. Christopher Robateau, 49, died Friday after he was struck by a Ford Ranger around 6:20 a.m. on the northbound side of the turnpike near Exit 14 in Carteret.

Officials say that prior to his death, Robateau was involved in a crash with a Freightliner box truck. When he got out of his vehicle to assist the driver of the truck, he was struck and killed by another motorist, according to state police.

The driver of the Ford Ranger stayed on the scene and is cooperating with authorities.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop posted on Twitter than although Robateau was on his way to work when he was killed, he was considered on duty because he stopped to someone in need. Fulop called Robateau a “great JC Police Officer” in a tweet.

Robateau leaves behind a wife and three children.