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Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop confirmed in a statement on X that two of the victims were Hudson Catholic football coaches. They were later identified as head coach Lamar McKnight and assistant coach Brad Cunningham, according to various news outlets and high school sports teams.
McKnight, a Jersey City native, took over as Hudson Catholic’s head coach last December. A standout athlete at Lincoln High School, McKnight continued his football career at Tennessee State University before transferring to Adams State. His coaching career began in Union City before he returned to his roots, leading Hudson Catholic’s program with passion and pride.
Cunningham was revered as one of Hudson Catholic’s greatest fullback/linebackers and a state champion shot-putter, according to NJ Advance Media. He played for Rutgers University as part of Greg Schiano’s inaugural recruiting class in 2001, solidifying his legacy as both a player and a mentor.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:47 p.m. Friday, when a vehicle carrying six individuals was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 Southbound on-ramp, a spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. The vehicle then veered off the roadway, went airborne, and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway.
The vehicle then landed on the ground and caught fire, killing all six occupants, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Bureau.
Officials were expected to provide an update on Monday, Dec. 9.
The tragic crash has left the Hudson County community reeling.
Tributes to McKnight and Cunningham have poured in from former players, colleagues, and community members, highlighting the impact the two had both on and off the field.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Mayor Fulop said. “Lamar and Brad were not just incredible coaches—they were mentors, role models, and pillars of our community.”
Details about the crash remain under investigation. This is a developing story; check back for updates.
This is a developing news story. Check back for more.
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