Teen killed in Southampton Township e-bike crash remembered as star wrestler

SOUTHAMPTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A 16-year-old boy killed in an e-bike crash is being remembered by family and coaches as a determined athlete and devoted son.

Chase Sudano died after the e-bike he was riding collided with a UPS truck on Tuesday, not far from his home, according to state police.

Authorities said the truck was traveling south on Tranquility Court, approaching the intersection with North Firelane Road, when the e-bike struck the right rear of the vehicle. Chase was ejected and killed.

His father, Tony Sudano, said he is still struggling to process the loss.

"He was my best buddy. We just talked all the time," Tony Sudano said.

Family members described Chase as "feisty but good-hearted" and said "tenacity" defined him both on and off the wrestling mat.

According to his father, detectives told him the truck driver immediately tried to help after the crash.

"I'm very happy that guy got out and tried to help," Tony Sudano said.

The e-bike belonged to Chase's 14-year-old brother, Justin, who said his older brother was strong and kind.

"He was strong. He was a good person," Justin Sudano said.

Their father said Chase typically was not allowed to ride the e-bike.

"He would always ask me first, 'Dad, can I drive his e-bike?' And I would always say, 'No,'" Tony Sudano said.

Chase was a district champion wrestler and a state qualifier at St. Augustine Prep. Head wrestling coach Bill Ward described him as a dedicated athlete who had been part of the program since childhood.

"Always had a smile on his face. Dedicated athlete," Ward said.

Ward said the loss has deeply affected the team, many of whom are confronting grief for the first time.

"There's a group of about 20 kids that were together last night. You just console them. A lot of those kids - probably all of them - this is the first time they've lost a friend," he said.

Chase was approaching his 17th birthday and had been looking forward to getting his driver's license, his father said.

"His friends just started to get their licenses and come over. His one friend came over on Monday. So him on an e-bike was the last thing I was thinking of," Tony Sudano said.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Meanwhile, his coach said the team is already considering ways to honor Chase, including placing his initials on uniforms during the upcoming wrestling season.