A tragic car accident underneath a Newark highway has claimed the lives of two brothers, who were Hudson Catholic coaches, and four others.
Details : Hudson Catholic coaches and others killed in car crash
Brothers Darryl McKnight, 33, and Lamar McKnight, 32, the head football coach at Hudson Catholic, as well as Bradley Cunningham, 41, an assistant coach, Veronica Bailey, 31, and Darnell Carr, 22, were killed in the Dec. 6 crash. The sixth person was not identified.
At approximately 10:47 p.m. 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.
Investigators said Lamar McKnight, a beloved first-year head coach at Hudson Catholic Regional High School, was driving the sedan when it went airborne off an overpass.
Prosecutors called the crash the “largest” motor vehicle accident in Essex County in at least 20 years, in terms of the number of fatalities.
Statement on the crash
Senator Angela V. McKnight, who is related to the brothers by marriage, released the following statement in response:
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the unimaginable loss of six lives taken far too soon, including my family members, Lamar and Darryl McKnight. Cousins to my husband, Anthony McKnight, Lamar and Darryl were two brothers who touched countless lives within our family and the broader community. Their loss leaves an immeasurable hole in our hearts that words cannot fully express.”
“The outpouring of love, support, and prayers during this difficult time has been a true source of comfort, and I am deeply and forever grateful for the kindness shown to Darryl and Lamar’s parents, Natasha McKnight and Darryl Williams, and the rest of our family. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the additional passengers of this devastating tragedy. May we honor each of their memory by remembering the joy they brought into our lives,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson).
