By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic crash early Sunday morning claimed the life of a Trenton man on Interstate 295 in Burlington County, according to a statement released by the New Jersey State Police.
Troopers responded to the scene at approximately 5:58 a.m. on the northbound side of I-295 near milepost 45.8 in Westampton Township.
Preliminary findings indicate that 50-year-old Timothy Long was driving a Honda SUV northbound when he lost control of the vehicle.
Authorities say the SUV veered off the highway, struck a traffic sign and then a tree, before catching fire.
Long sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active investigation. No further details have been released at this time.
UPDATE: From Trenton Police: Police Director Steve E. Wilson
"It is with the deepest of sorrow that we share the news of the sudden passing of Trenton Police Officer Timothy Long. Officer Long was involved in a single-vehicle car crash on Interstate 295 in Westampton Township at approximately 5:58 a.m. today, Sunday, June 22, 2025."
The New Jersey State Police is actively investigating this incident, and we ask everyone to give Officer Long’s family the privacy they need as they grieve.
Officer Long was a dedicated officer with the Trenton Police Department for 25 years and was also a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. His colleagues knew him for his unwavering commitment, pride in serving, and assiduous discipline.
When the department’s Honor Guard was called to raise the colors – whether in the cool dawn of Memorial Day or the heavy heat of an August afternoon, Officer Long was prepared on a moment’s notice, uniform squared away, ensuring every detail was perfect.
When a tough call came in, he brought steadiness and clarity to the scene. Beyond the street, Officer Long served on the PBA Local #11 Executive Board, channeling his focus into better training, equipment, and working conditions.
New officers gravitated toward him, and he coached them with a steady hand, a quick wit, and a good-natured laugh that cut through the tension of the job.
As a role model and mentor, he helped shape our department’s culture and set a standard many strive to
meet every day.
Our first responsibility is to Officer Long’s loved ones. Funeral arrangements, including full public-safety honors, will be announced once his family is ready.
Department chaplains, peer support officers, and Employee Assistance resources are available to every member of the Trenton Police Department, sworn and civilian alike.
As we lower the flags across the city and prepare the Honor Guard tribute Tim so richly deserves, we recommit ourselves to the dedication and discipline he lived by.
His legacy will carry forward in every patrol, every salute, and every act of service to our community.