Star wrestling champion, 16, killed in freak e-bike accident after father's fateful warning... as tight-knit community is left devastated

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:39, 18 June 2026 | Updated: 21:39, 18 June 2026 A New Jersey teenager was struck and killed in an e-bike crash after his father previously warned him not to ride it. Chase Sudano, 16, was riding his brother's e-bike when he collided with a UPS truck near his home in Southampton, about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, on Tuesday. State police said the truck was approaching an intersection when Chase struck the right rear and was ejected and killed. Chase's father, Tony Sudano, said the bike he was riding belonged to his younger brother, Justin Sudano, and he had advised him not to ride it. 'He would always ask me first, "Dad, can I drive his e-bike?" And I would always say, "No,"' Tony told WPVI. According to the heartbroken father, the truck driver got out and attempted to help Chase after the crash.  'I'm very happy that guy got out and tried to help,' he said. New Jersey State Police told the Daily Mail the case is under investigation. It is unclear if the driver will face charges. High school wrestling champion Chase Sudano, 16, was riding his brother's e-bike when he collided with a UPS truck near his home State police said the truck was approaching an intersection when Chase struck the right rear and was ejected and killed Chase was a district champion wrestler and a state championship qualifier at St Augustine Preparatory School on the Hermits team. 'Always had a smile on his face. Dedicated athlete,' head wrestling coach Bill Ward said. The coach added that Chase was part of a tight-knit group of classmates, and they are devastated by the loss. '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's father said the teen's birthday was coming up and he was looking forward to getting his driver's license.  '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 said.  He added, 'He was my best buddy. We just talked all the time.' The Sudano family has launched a GoFundMe to help with the funeral expenses. Chase was a district champion wrestler and a state championship qualifier at St Augustine Preparatory School on the Hermits team Chase's father, Tony Sudano (right), said the bike he was riding belonged to his younger brother, Justin Sudano (left), and he had advised the teen not to ride it 'He was a talented young man with an incredibly bright future, but what people will remember most is who he was away from competition,' the fundraiser said. 'Chase was laid back, funny, and genuinely well-liked by everyone who knew him. He had a way of making people laugh and bringing a smile to those around him. 'Chase will always be remembered as a beloved son, brother, friend, teammate, and Hermit. His impact on the people around him will never be forgotten.'  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.