In a letter to the editor, Lincoln High School officials take to the time to remember alumni Lamar and Darryl McKnight in the wake of last week’s fatal car crash in Newark.
It is with a heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of Lamar and Darryl McKnight, along with the other four lives lost in the devastating car accident on the night of Friday, December 6th.
This unimaginable tragedy has shaken all of us at Abraham Lincoln High School and throughout the community.
Lamar and Darryl were bright, vibrant men with dreams, ambitions, and an unmistakable presence that left an impact on everyone who knew them. Their laughter, their kindness, and the energy they brought to our school community will forever be remembered.
When Lamar and Darryl arrived at Lincoln High School they helped to revitalize our athletic program.
In 2008, we won the State Group Championship in basketball and we were in the process of turning around our football program. When they transferred to Lincoln, these Lion greats made history.
During the 2008-2009, both Lamar and Darryl made their marks playing football. At that time, Lincoln had not made the playoffs since 1987. Lamar and Darryl, along with others, were really instrumental in propelling the football program to another level.
During the 2008-2009 football season Lamar earned 2nd team All-County Quarterback, 1st Team Quarterback for the Hudson Dispatch, 2nd Team Quarterback All-Hudson Newark Star-Ledger.
Lamar excelled in both football and basketball, helping Lincoln return to the state sectional finals, a year after they won the state championship.
The 2009-2010 football team had its best season in 30 years. The Lions finished the season 8-2 and were crowned North Jersey Tri-County Conference Division 6 Champions.
Lamar was recognized as one of New Jersey’s top 100 players and was the first player from Lincoln High School to be named to the NJ Super 100 Team. Darryl was awarded 1st Team Defense.
Coach Robert Hampton said it best, “Lamar and Darryl are winners. They took us to the playoffs for the first time in 21 years and Tri-County Champs for the first time in 26 years.”
“Their heart was their talent. They understood no one rides for free. They made a way out of no way. They were relentless in their approach to the mission to give back to their community. They did it with love, grace, talent, and commitment. We love Lamar and Darryl. We are Lincoln!!!”
In moments like these, words can seem inadequate. We grapple with the pain of lives cut far too short, of potential that will never fully unfold.
Yet, even in this sorrow, we hold tightly to the memories and the love that Lamar and Darryl brought into the world. It is these memories that will sustain us in the days, weeks, and years to come.
We also grieve for the other lives lost in this accident and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families. Each of them held a unique and cherished place in our community, and their loss leaves a void that cannot be filled.
As we navigate this difficult time, we must lean on one another for support. Let us honor their lives by coming together as a community, offering solace, compassion, and strength to those who are most affected.
At Abraham Lincoln High School, we will ensure that support is available to anyone who needs help processing this tragedy.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with mother, Nataasha McKnight, father, Darryl Williams, Hudson Catholic, and Union City High School, the New Jersey Knights, Cunningham, Carr, Bailey family, and all the families and friends who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time.
May we find comfort in one another and in the cherished memories of those we have lost.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Chris L. Gadsden- Principal, Lincoln High School
Keith Price- Athletic Supervisor, Lincoln High School
Robert Hampton- Head Football Coach Lincoln High School
Lincoln High School Class of 2010, Alumni and Staff
