Late on Friday, December 6, 2024, a devastating car accident near the Pulaski Skyway in Newark, New Jersey resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including two esteemed high school football coaches.
The vehicle, carrying Hudson Catholic Regional High School head football coach Lamar McKnight, 32, his brother Darryl McKnight, 33, assistant coach Brad Cunningham, and three other people veered off Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1-9 southbound on-ramp around 10:45 p.m. The car became airborne before colliding with a support column of the Pulaski Skyway and bursting into flames upon impact. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the incident, with speed suspected as a contributing factor.
The McKnight brothers were well-known figures in their community. Lamar, as head coach, was instrumental in revitalizing Hudson Catholic’s football program, bringing youthful energy and high expectations to the team. Darryl, his elder brother, shared his passion for mentoring young athletes. Their mother, Natasha McKnight, expressed profound grief over the loss of her sons, stating, “I loved my sons; they enjoyed life.” State Senator Angela McKnight, a relative, described the tragedy as a “terrible loss” to both the family and the community.
A former Rutgers University football player, Brad Cunningham was recognized for his significant contributions to the sport. Rutgers Football Head Coach Greg Schiano remarked that Cunningham “laid the foundation for the Rutgers football program” as a member of its first recruiting class.
In the wake of this tragedy, Hudson Catholic Regional High School canceled classes on Monday, December 9, providing counselors to support grieving students and staff. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the Archdiocese of Newark extended their condolences to the affected families. A candlelight memorial and balloon release were held to honor the victims, underscoring the deep sense of loss felt throughout the community.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office noted that this incident might be the area’s largest single-car motor vehicle accident in the past 40 years.
The Hudson Catholic community continues to mourn the loss of these dedicated educators and mentors, whose warmth, commitment, and passion left an indelible mark on players, students, and colleagues.