Joseph Zadroga: Advocate for families of 9/11 first responders dies after accident in New Jersey hospital

GALLOWAY, NEW JERSEY: Joseph Zadroga, a renowned advocate for the families of 9/11 first responders, has unfortunately died after an accident at a New Jersey hospital parking lot on Saturday, January 13, CBS News reports. 

According to a statement from the Galloway Township Police Department, the incident occurred at Bacharach Rehabilitation in Pomona when an 82-year-old man was pulling his SUV into a parking space. 

How did Zadroga die?

While he was pulling into the space, the driver "accelerated" and struck a parked vehicle belonging to Zadroga, before hitting him as well. The 76-year-old was "subsequently pinned underneath" the Nissan.

“On scene life-saving measures were performed, and Zadroga was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Division where he was later pronounced deceased,” police said in its statement. An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing. 

Zadroga was the father of an NYPD detective 

Zadroga was the father of New York City Police Department Detective James Zadroga, who died in 2006 due to a respiratory condition believed to be linked to his service at Ground Zero, according to the Associated Press.

He was also the former police chief of the North Arlington Police Department in New Jersey, CBS affiliate WCBS reported. 

Additionally, he championed the cause of 9/11 first responders and their families. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, named after his late son, provides federal health benefits to responders who fell ill as a result of the attacks.

Zadroga was one of several advocates who pushed for the legislation to continue past its initial 2016 expiration date.

“I just want everybody out there, the victims who got sick, to have the health care that they deserve, because Jimmy didn’t get it," he said at a rally in 2014, according to the New York Post report.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum pays tribute to Zadroga

After the news of Zadroga’s death, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum shared a statement on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Joseph Zadroga and join the many members of the 9/11 community mourning his loss,” the organization wrote in a statement.

“The former chief of the North Arlington, NJ police department was among our nation’s earliest champions on behalf of those affected by 9/11-related illness and his tireless advocacy helped create the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act,” the statement added.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams shared his condolences as well. "Joe Zadroga never gave up the fight for his son James and all of our 9/11 first responders. Not once," he wrote in a statement shared on social media.

He added, "This is a tragic loss of a true hero and I ask all New Yorkers to join me in keeping his family and loved ones in your hearts today.”

“Thanks to Joseph, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 will continue to help thousands of first responders who fell ill after the attacks in 2001," New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban shared in a separate statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Zadroga family during this challenging time," he added.