Retired firefighter's hit-and-run death remains unsolved amid lawsuit

Authorities believe a firefighter may have been involved in the hit-and-run death.

SOMERVILLE -- The wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the widow of a retired Somerville firefighter killed in an unsolved hit-and-run in 2015 remains pending, but two government agencies were recently dismissed from the case.

George Kavanaugh, 75, a former Somerville Fire Department chief, was struck and killed by a vehicle while standing outside the Lincoln Hose Fire Co. 4 firehouse on on March 6, 2015. The driver of the vehicle has not been identified.

The vehicle involved in the hit-and-run death of a retired Somerville firefighter was parked in this space in front of the Lincoln Hose Fire Co. 4's firehouse on the night of March 6, 2015. (Somerset County Prosecutor's Office). 

Kavanaugh's widow filed the wrongful-death lawsuit in July seeking unspecified damages and naming multiple defendants. The Borough of Somerville and Somerset County were recently dismissed from the case.

"This lawsuit has never been about the money," said attorney Steven Benvenisti, who represents Anita Kavanaugh. "We want to find out who killed George Kavanaugh."

Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher said he had not been made aware that the borough has been dismissed from the case. He continued to urge anyone with information about Kavanaugh's death to contact investigators.

"The family needs closure on this and so does the community of Somerville," Gallagher said. "Anyone with any information regarding this horrific crime needs to come forward."

A $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest has been offered.

Vehicle may belong to a firefighter

Benvenisti, a Teaneck-based attorney, said he's hopeful that information gathered during the investigation of the wrongful death lawsuit could help in the ongoing criminal investigation.

Benvenisti said the defendants in the case have begun to retain attorneys. He said he can not start taking depositions until all of them have hired a lawyer.

George Kavanaugh, a lifelong Somerville resident, was among a group attending a viewing for a fallen firefighter on March 6, 2015 and then went to the firehouse afterwards for drinks, authorities have said.

Kavanaugh was standing on the sidewalk in front of the firehouse at 9:25 p.m. waiting a ride from his friend, George Riehman, 74, when he was struck, authorities said.

Riehman, a fellow retired firefighter and Kavanaugh's best friend, said he saw "a guy backed over George, rolled over him again and then sped off."

According to an eyewitness, a light-colored SUV had been "idling" and parked in the area of the front bay near the firehouse door minutes before backing up and striking George Kavanaugh.

The prosecutor's office has stated previously that the vehicle may belong to, or be associated with, a fellow firefighter.

Kavanaugh was a the chief of the Somerville Fire Department in 1985 and 1986. An army veteran, he served as a firefighter for 50 years, holding various posts within the company.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Justin Berger or Sgt. Michael Schutta of the prosecutor's office, through Somerset County Communications at 908-526-2500 or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tips Line at 888-577-8477. Tips can also be submitted online. All anonymous Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.