Crime & Safety
2 Coaches At Hudson County School Die In Car Crash; Classes Canceled
2 coaches at Hudson Catholic High School were among the 6 dead in a Newark car crash on Friday. Classes are canceled Monday.
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Two of the six people killed in a fiery car crash in Newark on Friday night have been identified as coaches at a high school in Jersey City.
Hudson Catholic head football coach Lamar McKnight, 32, and Assistant Coach Brad Cunningham, 41, were among the victims, reports said.
The regional high school announced Sunday afternoon that classes are canceled for Monday, and counselors will be on hand from 12-4 p.m.
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31st District State Sen. Angela McKnight identified Lamar McKnight and another victim, Daryl, as her relatives.
"Please say a prayer for my family," she wrote on social media. "Darryl and Lamar, may you rest in peace."
Find out what's happening in Hobokenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Just before 11 p.m. on Friday, a vehicle was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward an on-ramp to Routes 1 and 9. It left the road, struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, and caught fire. READ MORE: Car Crash Kills 6 In Newark
Related To Senator
Cunningham has been identified as a former Rutgers linebacker who was influential in the program.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said in a statement Sunday, "Today, Jersey City mourns the tragic loss of community members gone too soon, including two beloved Hudson Catholic coaches who touched countless lives through their dedication to our youth.
"On behalf of our city, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and the entire Hudson Catholic community as we navigate this devastating loss together. We stand united in offering support during this difficult time.”
School Responds
The school's principal Terence Matthews, said on Sunday afternoon, "The Hudson Catholic Community is devastated by the tragic loss of two coaches. They were dedicated educators and mentors who made a lasting impact."
He said that while classes are canceled for Monday, staff and counselors would be on campus from 12-4 p.m. to support the community.
The school said it would release more details later.
The four-year Catholic high school educates students throughout Hudson County.
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