Wanaque man killed by downed wire in Franklin Lakes while on his way to shovel out father's snow

Anthony Gonzalez never arrived at his dad’s home Thursday in Franklin Lakes to shovel out the driveway.

The 40-year-old Wanaque resident died after police said he attempted to navigate around cones warning motorists of a downed live wire on Summit Avenue near Route 208 in Franklin Lakes. Gonzalez died after the vehicle he was in caught fire.

“We spoke last night and he said he would take care of me,” Gonzalez’s father, Anthony Gonzalez Sr., 61, told The Record. “We still can’t believe it. He leaves three young kids and a wife behind.”

Police received a 911 call before 9 a.m. about a car catching fire near a downed live wire, said Capt. John Bakelaar. Typically, the police department blocks off the area with barriers and cones and notify Orange & Rockland, the power company that services the borough, said Bakelaar.

"We don't have the resources to put an officer at each hazard," Bakelaar said. "Live wires are dangerous and that's why there were different layers of roadblocks for that particular area."

Anthony Gonzalez Sr. claims there were no cones at the scene prior his son driving through. A live wire fell on the vehicle, he said.

“There were cones there after the incident,” said Anthony Gonzalez Sr.

Police could not be reached Thursday night to comment on Gonzalez Sr.'s claim.

The oldest of four children, Gonzalez followed in the footsteps of his father, said Anthony Gonzalez Sr. He worked as an electrician for 18 years and was employed in New York City.

“It’s a great trade and I’m glad my son and I picked it up,” said Anthony Gonzalez Sr., who retired as an electrician after 40 years. “He’s a wonderful son.”

Jaclyn Milnes heard about the death of Gonzalez and decided to help by creating a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family. By early Thursday evening, more than $2,800 was contributed.

“His kids are involved in sports. I just think they need the extra financial support right now,” said Milnes, who works with Gonzalez's wife as a teacher at KinderCare Learning Center at Franklin Lakes. “I went through a tragedy myself. His kids were everything to him.”

Anthony Gonzalez Sr. was surrounded by family and friends Thursday night. He said Gonzalez lived for his wife, his two girls, ages 7 and 8, and his 5-year-old son.

“It’s like a bad dream,” Anthony Gonzalez Sr. said. “It breaks my heart.”

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