WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — An 85-year-old man died after suffering severe injuries in a vehicle fire at his Campbell Avenue home on April 18, with investigators determining the blaze was not suspicious, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.
Authorities identified the victim as Raymond F. Stupienski Jr., who was found outside the burning vehicle during firefighting efforts and later pronounced dead at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Fire breaks out at private residence
The incident unfolded around 12:08 p.m. when the Woodcliff Lake Police Department and Woodcliff Lake Fire Department responded to reports of a vehicle engulfed in flames in the driveway of a residence.
During suppression efforts, first responders located Stupienski near the rear entrance of the home, just outside the vehicle. He was airlifted to Hackensack University Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Despite lifesaving efforts, he later died from his injuries, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
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Key Points
• Raymond F. Stupienski Jr., 85, died after a vehicle fire in his driveway
• Fire occurred April 18 on Campbell Avenue in Woodcliff Lake
• Investigators determined the fire was not suspicious
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Multi-agency investigation rules out foul play
Following the initial response, the Woodcliff Lake Police Department requested assistance from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad and the Bergen County Arson Task Force.
Detectives and fire investigators launched a joint investigation alongside the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau to determine the cause of the blaze.
Officials concluded the fire did not involve criminal activity, narrowing the investigation to non-suspicious causes.
Coordinated emergency response
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including local police and fire units, the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and additional mutual aid partners.
The Hackensack Fire Department also assisted through its role in the Bergen County Arson Task Force.
Prosecutor Musella acknowledged the coordinated efforts of responders across departments in managing the incident and conducting the investigation.
Community impact and next steps
Fatal residential fires involving vehicles, while less common than structure fires, can present significant risks due to fuel sources and confined spaces such as driveways or garages.
In this case, authorities have not released additional details about how the fire started but have confirmed that no criminal elements were involved.
The findings bring some closure to the investigation while leaving unanswered questions about the precise cause of the fire.
The case is considered closed from a criminal standpoint, with officials confirming the fire was non-suspicious and no further law enforcement action is expected.