Six people with ties to Jersey City were killed in a Newark crash on Friday evening, including two Hudson Catholic High School football coaches.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
At approximately 10:47 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Blanchard Street, a vehicle traveled toward the 1&9 Southbound on-ramp before veering off the roadway, going airborne, and colliding with a support column of the Pulaski Skyway, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Three of the victims have been identified as brothers Darryl McKnight, 33, and Lamar McKnight, 32, the head football coach at Hudson Catholic, as well as Brad Cunningham – an assistant coach.
“We are saddened to hear of an accident involving Brad Cunningham, Coach McKnight and four others last night. Brad Cunningham, member of our first recruiting class, laid the foundation of the Rutgers football program,” Rutgers Head Football Coach Greg Schiano wrote on X yesterday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family and the entire Hudson Catholic football family.”
The other three victims have not been identified yet, but Natasha McKnight, the mother of Darryl and Lamar, told CBS News that two of those victims were also related to her, but declined to identify them.
State Senator Angela McKnight (D-31), whose husband is the cousin of the brothers, wrote on Facebook “Please say a prayer for my family. Darryl and Lamar, may you rest in peace. This hurts… #TheMcKnights.”
Beginning late last night, other Jersey City elected officials began to acknowledge the tragic turn of events.
“Today brought the tragic news of the death of six Jersey City community members. The city lost a great coach and community leader, as well as others gone far too soon. May they never be forgotten,” Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), a candidate for mayor, posted on X.
“I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor, offered his condolences early this morning.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Former Gov. Jim McGreevey, who is also running for mayor, echoed a similar sentiment on social media.
“The tragic loss of Coach McKnight, Brad Cunningham, & those killed impacts #HudsonCatholic, #RutgersUniversity, & #JerseyCityCommunity. Their leadership on field and in community were a blessing. For their souls & the grieving families, may they Rest in Peace. Amen.”
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will host a press conference in Newark tomorrow at 3 p.m. to release further information about the fatal incident.
“Sending my deepest condolences to @SenatorMcKnight and her husband Anthony on the loss of his two cousins in an awful car crash on Friday night. Tammy and I are keeping the McKnight and Cunningham families and all affected by this tragedy in our prayers,” Gov. Phil Murphy (D)wrote on X moments ago.