Daniel “D.J.” Romano, a life-long resident of Newburgh and police officer in the Town of Newburgh, was killed in an off-duty snowmobile accident on Friday, January 28. He was 32.
The accident occurred in the Town of Webb, NY, located in Herkimer County.
A statement released by the Webb Police Department said officers responded to the 911 call made at 8:07 p.m. on Friday night.
According to Chief Johnston, Romano was not alone on the trails but “was riding with a group of friends” at the time of the accident.
The statement continued and said that “the preliminary investigation shows speed was among causing factors in the accident. The investigation is still ongoing”.
“He [Romano] lost control on the ice, went over a steep embankment and collided with a tree,” Johnston said. “He was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Romano graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 2008 and went on to attend the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland.
At SUNY Cortland, Romano played defensive back for the Cortland Red Dragons and wore number 14 all four years of his career.
Prior to taking over the role of head football coach at Newburgh Free Academy in 2009, Coach Bill Bianco was an assistant coach and coached Romano during his career. He remembers Romano as having an infectious personality.
“Always smiling, always joking. He [Romano] would do anything for you. He was always positive,” Bianco said.
Bianco said Romano was a three sport athlete who played football, ran winter track and played baseball.
Former NFA Head Football Coach C.T. Chatham shared his thoughts on his former player. Chatham had coached Romano during his time at NFA.
“He had a passion for the game [of football]. He was a leader,” Chatham said. “The tragic news of D.J.’s passing is something that words can’t describe. His presence, his positive influence on so many people. D.J. was a role model in the Newburgh community,”
Romano’s brother James has started a GoFundMe page that can be found at gofundme.com/f/nu82u-romano-family.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe page has already raised more than $230,440 in donations for the family.
Romano leaves behind his wife Kaitlyn and their two daughters, Adrianna, 2, and Alina, 1.
James Romano wrote on the GoFundMe page and said “DJ would give you the shirt off his back and his word was his bond”.
Newburgh Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio said the entire town mourns the loss.
“He was an outstanding husband, father, and a compassionate community minded Police Officer,” Piaquadio said in a statement released Sunday morning.
Piaqudio said Romano would be promoted posthumously to the rank of detective.