A catastrophic car accident occurred late on Friday, December 6, 2024, near the Pulaski Skyway in Newark, New Jersey, claiming the lives of six individuals, two of whom were respected high school football coaches.

The accident occurred when a vehicle carrying Lamar McKnight, 32, the head football coach of Hudson Catholic Regional High School, his brother Darryl McKnight, 33, assistant coach Brad Cunningham, 41, and three other individuals, veered off Raymond Boulevard, heading towards the Route 1-9 southbound on-ramp around 10:45 p.m. The vehicle launched into the air before hitting a support column of the Pulaski Skyway and caught fire upon impact. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is looking into the incident, suspecting speed to be a contributing factor.

Renowned in their community, the McKnight brothers played significant roles. Lamar, the head coach, was a key factor in the resurgence of Hudson Catholic’s football team, infusing the team with vibrant energy and high standards. Darryl, his elder brother, was also passionate about guiding young athletes. The brothers’ mother, Natasha McKnight, expressed intense sorrow over her sons’ deaths, stating, “I loved my sons; they enjoyed life.” State Senator Angela McKnight, a family member, referred to the incident as a “terrible loss” for both the family and the community.

Brad Cunningham, a former Rutgers University football player, was known for his considerable contributions to the sport. Rutgers Football Head Coach Greg Schiano remarked that Cunningham “laid the foundation for the Rutgers football program” as a part of its initial recruiting class.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Hudson Catholic Regional High School canceled classes on Monday, December 9, and provided counselors to assist grieving students and staff. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the Archdiocese of Newark expressed their condolences to the bereaved families. A candlelight memorial and balloon release were organized to pay tribute to the victims, underlining the profound sense of loss within the community.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office pointed out that this incident might be the largest single-car motor vehicle accident in the region in the last 40 years.

The Hudson Catholic community is still mourning the loss of these devoted teachers and mentors, whose warmth, dedication, and passion left a lasting impact on players, students, and colleagues.