A fatal car crash occurred late on Friday, December 6, 2024, near Pulaski Skyway in Newark, New Jersey, leading to the death of six people, two of whom were respected high school football coaches.
The vehicle, transporting Lamar McKnight, 32, the head football coach of Hudson Catholic Regional High School, his brother Darryl McKnight, 33, assistant coach Brad Cunningham, and three others, veered from Raymond Boulevard towards the on-ramp of Route 1-9 southbound around 10:45 p.m. The car went airborne, collided with a Pulaski Skyway support column, and erupted into flames upon impact. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is looking into the accident, with high speed believed to be a contributing factor.
The McKnight brothers held prominent positions in their community. Lamar, the head coach, played a key role in the rejuvenation of Hudson Catholic’s football program, infusing a spirit of youthfulness and setting high standards for the team. Darryl, the older brother, also had a passion for coaching young athletes. Their mother, Natasha McKnight, expressed deep sorrow over the death of her sons, stating, “I loved my sons; they enjoyed life.” State Senator Angela McKnight, a relative, labeled the incident as a “terrible loss” for the family and the community.
Brad Cunningham, a former player for Rutgers University’s football team, was honored for his substantial contributions to the sport. Greg Schiano, Rutgers Football Head Coach, remarked that Cunningham “laid the foundation for the Rutgers football program” as a member of its original recruiting class.
Following the tragic incident, Hudson Catholic Regional High School canceled classes on Monday, December 9, and provided counselors to help grieving students and staff. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the Archdiocese of Newark expressed their condolences to the bereaved families. In memory of the victims, a candlelight memorial and balloon release were organized, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the community.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, this incident could be the largest single-car motor vehicle accident in the area in the last 40 years.
The Hudson Catholic community is mourning the loss of these devoted educators and mentors, who left a lasting impression on their players, students, and colleagues through their dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm.