‘You’re just not human’ - Friends outraged by deadly gas station crash

Friends of three people killed in a crash in Passaic County Tuesday morning say that they are angered that it was caused by a driver who was allegedly high on opioids at the time.

News 12 Staff

Feb 20, 2019, 5:15 PM

Updated 1,914 days ago

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‘You’re just not human’ - Friends outraged by deadly gas station crash
Friends of three people killed in a crash in Passaic County Tuesday morning say that they are angered that it was caused by a driver who was allegedly high on opioids at the time.
Jason Vanderee, 29, is accused of causing the crash that happened by the Delta Gas Station on Route 23 in Wayne. Surveillance video appears to show Vanderee’s vehicle traveling very fast, flying over a car parked at the gas station, and slamming into the gas station attendant. Vanderee had to be revived with the anti-overdose medication Narcan, according to officials.
The victims were identified as 50-year-old Jon Warbeck, his 17-year-old son Luke Warbeck and gas station attendant Lovedeep Fatra.
Friends and loved ones came to the crash site Wednesday to leave flowers and to try to make sense of the tragedy.
“I hope he's in jail for the rest of his life! I wish they didn't revive him yesterday but they have to. It’s by law,” says Kevin Raimi, who is a friend of Luke.
“If you’re selfish enough to get in a car when you’re in that type of state of mind, then you’re just not human,” says another friend Juan Fernandez.
Jon Warbeck was a former Carlstadt firefighter. Luke Warbeck was a junior at Boonton High School. They were at the gas station to get fuel when they were killed.
“[Luke] was probably one of the funniest kids I’ve ever met in my life,” says Fernandez. “He just could always put a smile on your face.”
Counselors were on hand at Boonton High School to help classmates deal with Luke’s death. Wednesday would have been Jon Warbeck’s 51st birthday.
Fatra had moved to the United States from India a little less than two years ago. Co-workers say that he was working to send money back to his family.
“Every day I bring him coffee,” says co-worker Tito Krishmamurthy. “Today I brought a cup of coffee and left it there. He’s such a great kid, such a great kid. Such a shame."
Vanderee faces a slew of charges, including aggravated manslaughter, death by auto and various drug offenses.


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