NJ high school coach, brother killed in fiery crash: Family

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – A beloved New Jersey high school football coach and his brother were among the six people killed in a fiery crash over the weekend, according to their mother. 

Lamar McKnight, Head Football Coach at Hudson Catholic Regional High School, and his brother, Darryl McKnight, died in the crash Friday, Natasha McKnight told PIX11 News. 

Others identified another man killed in the crash as Brad Cunningham, an assistant football coach at Hudson Catholic Regional High School. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office would not confirm the identity of the people killed in the crash.

“Brad Cunningham, member of our first recruiting class, laid the foundation of the Rutgers football program,” Rutgers Football Head Coach Greg Schiano said in a post to X. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Brad’s family and the entire Hudson Catholic football family.”

The crash happened around 10:47 p.m. at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Blanchard Street, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The vehicle drove off the Route 1 and 9 southbound on-ramp, sending the vehicle airborne, officials said. 

The car then struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway and caught fire, officials said. 

On Saturday night, dozens of people gathered outside their home on Oak Street releasing balloons into the sky in their memory. Candles lined the front yard of the Jersey City home where Darryl and Lamar Mcknight lived.

“This our place and it will always be,” said Natasha McKnight mother of the two brothers killed in a crash in Newark late Friday night, as she reminisced about her sons playing together. “Them throwing the football on that street all day every from that end to that end. One was a receiver, and one was a quarterback.”

"They were loved, loveable kids. Young men,” said Natasha.

On Sunday, a slew of former players, colleagues, and elected officials took to social media to share their condolences.

"So sad to hear of Lamar's passing. He was a bright young star with a passion for this game and his players," said Syracuse football coach Nunzio Campanile in a post to X.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop emphasized the two coaches’ importance to the community. 

“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,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “We stand united in offering support during this difficult time.”