A 20-year-old New Jersey Institute of Technology student, whose father is a councilman in Paterson, died Wednesday night when he was hit by an NJ Transit construction vehicle while riding his bicycle in Newark, officials said.

Kevin Milfort-Sanchez, of Paterson, was the son of Paterson 5th Ward Councilman Luis Velez.

Our condolences to Evelyn Sanchez-Velez and Councilman Luis Velez for the loss of your son Kevin Milfort ... Lord God... Posted by Peruvian Roots on Thursday, September 6, 2018

An excavation vehicle "operated by NJ Transit" was traveling north on McCarter Highway when it hit Milfort-Sanchez near Gouverneur Street around 8:30 p.m., Essex County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said in a release.

Milfort-Sanchez was taken to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh also mourned him in a Facebook post.

"Our hearts are heavy at City Hall today. Please pray for Councilman Luis Velez and his wife, Evelyn," the post stated. "Tragically, they lost their son last night. May Kevin rest in peace."

Our hearts are heavy at City Hall today. Please pray for Councilman Luis Velez and his wife, Evelyn. Tragically, they lost their son last night. May Kevin rest in peace. Posted by Andre Sayegh on Thursday, September 6, 2018

The driver of the excavation vehicle stayed on the scene after the accident and no charges were filed as 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Fennelly said.

The accident was being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the Newark and NJ Transit police departments.

NJ Transit declined comment because of the "pending investigation," NJ Transit Spokeswoman Nancy Snyder said.

Anyone with information may call the prosecutor's tip line at 877-847-7432.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.