Chase Sudano, a sophomore wrestler at St. Augustine Preparatory School in South Jersey, died Tuesday morning after being struck by a UPS truck while riding his e-bike in Southampton Township, Burlington County. He was 15 years old.
New Jersey State Police confirmed the crash occurred around 10:45 a.m. at 3 Tranquility Court. The UPS truck involved was later photographed being towed from the scene on Tranquility Court between North Firelane Road and Route 70.
St. Augustine wrestling coach Bill Ward learned of the tragedy when his son Luke — also a sophomore at the school — saw news of the accident in a group chat. Ward immediately reached out to Sudano’s father, who confirmed that Chase had passed away.
UPS released a statement Tuesday afternoon expressing grief over the incident.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic accident in Southampton Township, NJ,” a company spokesperson said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones. We are fully cooperating with authorities to understand what happened.”
A Wrestler on the Rise
Sudano had quickly established himself as one of the more promising young wrestlers in South Jersey during his short high school career.
Competing primarily in the 126 and 132-pound weight classes this past season, he appeared in multiple high-profile events, including the Region 8 Wrestling Tournament at Williamstown High School and the New Jersey State Individual Wrestling Tournament held at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City in March 2026.
Earlier in his freshman year, Sudano competed at 106 pounds before growing into higher weight classes.
He was a fixture in Cape-Atlantic League competition, wrestling for the Hermits against rivals including Lower Cape May Regional and Middle Township. In one notable February matchup against Lower Cape May, Sudano posted a 17-2 technical fall victory at 126 pounds as St. Augustine topped the Cape May Tigers 25-15.
Community Mourns
The loss sent shockwaves through the St. Augustine community and the broader South Jersey high school sports world.
Coaches remembered Sudano warmly, with those close to the program describing him as a dedicated, cheerful presence in the wrestling room.
The accident remains under active investigation by the New Jersey State Police. No further details about the circumstances of the crash have been released at this time.
Chase Sudano was just beginning what many believed would be a standout wrestling career. He leaves behind teammates, coaches, and a family now grieving an unimaginable loss. The St. Augustine community is expected to hold memorial tributes in the coming days.
