N.J. high school football coaches killed in horrific crash remembered for passion, warmth toward students

A first-year high school head football coach who was one of six people killed in an explosive car crash in Newark was remembered as a talented athlete whose dedication morphed into his post-playing career mentoring young athletes.
Hudson Catholic coach Lamar McKnight, 32, and assistant coach Brad Cunningham, 41, died Friday night in a crash when their car flew off an overpass and slammed into a support column.
Police have not released many details, but officials said the car was headed south on Raymond Boulevard in Newark around 10:45 p.m. Friday. It went airborne after it reached an on-ramp to Routes 1 and 9 and went off the road and hit a support column beneath the Pulaski Skyway and then caught fire, police said.
Natasha McKnight, the head coach’s mother, attended a vigil Saturday evening in Newark and said she lost two sons, Lamar and Darryl, in the crash.
The mother of eight told CBS New York that she first learned of the crash from comments online.
“I check my kids’ location all day, all night, every day, and those two never turn them (phones) off,” McKnight told CBS New York. “I knew something, and it was there for too many hours. So, I started to worry.”
She told CBS she drove to the accident scene when she didn’t hear from her sons.
“I drove to and found out on social media that it was an accident … And you see my son’s bumper, and that’s how I was able to identify that they were in that car, ” McKnight told CBS New York.
After news of Lamar McKnight’s death spread, social media tributes appeared. Several cited the player-turned-coach as instrumental to the community and the student-athletes for whom he led.
Mount Olive High School Boys head basketball coach Colin McKenna wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that McKnight was frequently cited as an impactful mentor to student-athletes.
“I am completely heartbroken today,” McKenna wrote. “Lamar was such an amazing person. He worked tirelessly to impact the lives of so many young people, and was loved by all. The world lost a wonderful human being.”
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said his administration would be available for support to the community.
“Today, Jersey City mourns the tragic loss of six community members gone too soon, including two beloved Hudson Catholic coaches who touched countless lives through their dedication to our youth,” Fulop said in a statement. “On behalf of our city, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and the entire Hudson Catholic community as we navigate this devastating loss together.”
Hudson Catholic administrators on Sunday deferred requests for comment to the Archdiocese of Newark, which said classes would be canceled Monday. Emotional support services will be available to students on campus, according to the Archdiocese.
“The Hudson Catholic High School community is devastated by the tragic loss of two beloved coaches,” the Archdiocese said in a statement shared to NJ Advance Media on Sunday. “They were dedicated educators and mentors who made a lasting impact on players, students and colleagues. Their warmth, commitment, and passion for the Hudson Catholic community will never be forgotten. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and friends, and to the families of the other victims of this tragedy.”
Other New Jersey schools also shared tributes.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with his family, his players, and all who were impacted by his leadership, kindness, and passion,” Immaculata High School wrote on its Facebook page. “May his memory forever be a blessing and source of inspiration.”
Lamar McKnight recently finished his first season as Hudson Catholic Regional High School’s head football coach. As a teenager, he starred as quarterback for Lincoln, graduating from high school to become a successful college athlete. After retiring from sports, he became an assistant coach for Union City before accepting the Hudson Catholic post late last year.
Cunningham was a standout fullback/linebacker and a state champion in the shot put at Hudson Catholic. He was a part of Greg Schiano’s first recruiting class at Rutgers in the winter of 2001. Despite an injury-laden career at Rutgers, the Jersey City native was part of the Scarlet Knights’ turnaround, as the program made its first bowl appearance in nearly three decades during his senior season.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said it would hold a news conference on Monday with updates on its investigation into the deadly crash.
NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.
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Eric Conklin may be reached at [email protected].