Little Egg Man in Fatal Crash Was 9/11 First Responder Advocate

The man who was struck and killed by an SUV in an apparent accident Saturday in Galloway was a well-known advocate for 9/11 first responders.

Man Killed in Galloway Parking Lot Crash Was 9/11 First Responder Advocate

Joseph Zadroga — a tireless advocate for first responders who became sick after the 9/11 attacks — died in a freak accident on Saturday when he was struck by an elderly driver who mistakenly hit the gas in the Galloway parking lot of AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus.

Joseph Zadroga, 76, of Little Egg Harbor, has been credited with spearheading the Zadroga Act for 9/11 families which helped deliver much-needed funds to the families of first responders.

Joe Zagroda's Son Was a 9/11 First Responder Who Became Sick

Zadroga’s son, James, was a veteran NYPD cop who died in 2006 --  at just 34 years of age -- of a respiratory illness he developed after responding to the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan.

Zadroga's name was attached to the 2011 bill that provided health benefits and compensation to others who fell ill after responding to the World Trade Center site.

Zadroga Died After Accident in Galloway Parking Lot

Galloway Twp. Police say an elderly man pulled into a parking space when he accelerated, hitting Zadroga, who was standing in the parking lot and pinned him under the vehicle.

According to the police report, James McNeal, 82, of Absecon, drove a 2021 Grey Nissan SUV to Bacharach Rehabilitation, at 61 W. Jimmie Leeds Road at about 2 pm on Sat, Jan 13, and attempted to pull into a parking space.

Zadroga Was Pinned Under Vehicle

While pulling into the parking space, McNeal accelerated quickly and hit a 2015 Red Hyundai Tucson parked in the lot and then struck  Zadroga, who was standing outside of his parked vehicle.

Zadroga was pinned underneath the Nissan SUV. He had just come from visiting his wife in the hospital.

Galloway Twp. Police responded at 2:01 pm Saturday and attempted life-saving measures on the accident victim. Zadroga was then taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center Mainland Division where he later died.

The police investigation is ongoing.