In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, six people, including two high school coaches, lost their lives in a fiery crash on a New Jersey highway. The crash occurred late on Friday, December 6, as a car veered off the roadway and crashed into a support column for the Pulaski Skyway near the Route 1 and 9 southbound on-ramp in Newark. According to CBS affiliate WCBS-TV and ABC affiliate WABC-TV, the vehicle became airborne before hitting the column and bursting into flames.

Remembering the Victims

Among the six fatalities were 32-year-old Lamar McKnight, a football coach at Hudson Catholic Regional High School, and his 33-year-old brother Darryl McKnight. Their mother, Natasha McKnight, expressed her deep love for her sons, stating that they enjoyed life. "You see the support I have here. It has been going all day and that’s what helps with the healing," she continued.Also killed was Brad Cunningham, who "laid the foundation of the Rutgers football program," as stated by the college's current head coach, Greg Schiano, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family and the entire Hudson Catholic football family," Schiano wrote.

Impact on the School

Hudson Catholic Regional High School canceled classes for Monday, December 9, according to a post on the school's Facebook page. Counseling was made available to support the community during this difficult time. School officials described the coaches as "dedicated educators and mentors who made a lasting impact on players, students and colleagues." Their warmth, commitment, and passion for the Hudson Catholic community will never be forgotten. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and friends, and to the families of the other victims of this tragedy.

Investigation Update

According to WCBS-TV, a press conference updating the investigation will be held at 3 p.m. local time on December 9. This will provide more information and clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash. The community is anxiously awaiting the details to help them come to terms with this devastating loss.The loss of these six lives has had a profound impact on the Hudson Catholic community and the wider New Jersey area. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As we await further developments in the investigation, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and friends of the victims.