An off-duty Pompton Lakes police officer died early Wednesday morning after hitting a deer with his motorcycle, officials said.

Officials said Sgt. Peter Kamper Jr. was thrown from his motorcycle after striking the animal just after midnight on Lakeside Avenue in Wayne. 

Residents who heard the crash told police that they found Kamper unresponsive.  He was pronounced dead at the hospital, officials said.

Pompton Lakes Police wrote on Facebook, "We are truly devastated and heartbroken. Words cannot begin to describe the grief and pain that we are currently experiencing...Each of us were blessed and privileged to work alongside an exceptional human being. We are better people for having known [Sgt. Kamper] and will surely never forget what he has done for each of us."

News 12 New Jersey learned that Kamper had just gotten off work and was on his way home when the accident occurred.