Fatal Crash in Jersey City Claims Five Lives, Including Coaches at Hudson Catholic
JERSEY CITY, NJ – A tragic crash occurred on the night of Friday, Dec. 6, when a vehicle carrying six people veered off the roadway and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway.
The accident happened at approximately 10:47 p.m. as the vehicle was traveling on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 southbound on-ramp, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II.
The driver of the vehicle, Lamar McKnight, 31, and four other individuals were confirmed as victims.
The victims have been identified as McKnight’s brother, Darryl McKnight, 29; Darnell Carr, 22; Bradley Cunningham, 41; and Veronica Bailey, 31. All the victims were residents of Jersey City. Lamar and Darryl McKnight are relatives of State Senator Angela V. McKnight by marriage.
The identity of the sixth victim is still pending DNA testing, authorities reported.
Lamar McKnight and Cunningham were both coaches at Hudson Catholic High School. McKnight had taken over as head coach at the school in December.
A standout athlete at Lincoln High School, McKnight continued his football career at Tennessee State University before transferring to Adams State.
Cunningham, a revered figure at Hudson Catholic, was known for his achievements as a fullback/linebacker and a state champion shot-putter, playing for Rutgers University, according to NJ Advance Media.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said. “Lamar and Brad were not just incredible coaches—they were mentors, role models, and pillars of our community.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, Stephens stated.
