The Holly Oaks community in Manchester is mourning the loss of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company Chief Brian Flanagan, who was killed early Tuesday morning after being struck by an SUV while working in a construction zone on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Flanagan, 47, was struck at approximately 3:52 a.m. on the south outer roadway of the Turnpike near milepost 87.7 in Edison Township, when a GMC SUV entered the marked construction zone where he was working, State Police said. The driver fled the scene but was later identified as Anthony Bernardi, 40, of Edison. Bernardi was arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter, second-degree vehicular homicide, and second-degree leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He is being held at the Middlesex County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The crash remains under investigation, as first reported by TLS.

Following news of his death, Yehuda Fryer released a statement on behalf of the Holly Oaks community, remembering Flanagan as a man who lived his life for others.

“He was a friend. He was a neighbor. He was a true example of what it means to live your life for others,” the statement reads. “Brian was the kind of person who never waited to be asked for help. He was always the first to step forward, the first to offer a hand, and the last person to ever expect anything in return. He didn’t help people for recognition. He helped because that’s simply who Brian was.”

Fryer recalled his last conversation with Flanagan, just this past Sunday. One of Flanagan’s neighbors had lost power, and Flanagan wanted to know if he could run an extension cord over to the neighbor’s home so they could have electricity until their power was restored.

“It wasn’t a major emergency. There were no flashing lights, no sirens, and no crowd watching,” Fryer said. “Just Brian, quietly looking for another way to make someone’s life a little easier. A man who didn’t need to be wearing his firefighter’s uniform to be a hero.”

Fryer also paid tribute to Flanagan’s wife and their two young children.

“To his wife, there are simply no words that can take away the pain of what you’re going through. But I pray that you find comfort, strength, and light in the darkest of moments,” Fryer wrote. “And to his two precious little children, I hope that as you grow, you will hear countless stories about the incredible man your father was. Stories of his kindness, his generosity, his courage, and the countless lives he touched. Your father didn’t just fight fires. He brought light into people’s lives.”

“Brian, you spent your life showing up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for your family,” Fryer concludes. “May the entire Holly Oaks and Manchester community come together to surround his wife and children with the same love, kindness, and selflessness that Brian gave to so many of us. Rest in peace, Chief Brian Flanagan.”