At 10:47 p.m. on Friday, December 6, a vehicle carrying six individuals was going on Raymond Boulevard toward the Route 1&9 southbound on-ramp, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II. Stephens claimed the vehicle, then drove off the road, became airborne, and collided with a support column for the Pulaski Skyway.
Lamar McKnight, age 31, is the driver. Darryl McKnight, 29; Darnell Carr, 22; Bradley Cunningham, 41; and Veronica Bailey, 31, have all been identified as victims. Angela V. McKnight, a state senator, is the spouse of the McKnights.
All the victims resided in Jersey City, according to Stephens. Lamar and Darryl were brothers. The identity of the sixth victim is still awaiting confirmation through DNA testing, as stated by Stephens.
Lamar McKnight and Cunningham served as coaches at Hudson Catholic, with McKnight assuming the role of head coach in December. McKnight, who excelled as an athlete at Lincoln High School, went on to play football at Tennessee State University before transferring to Adams State.
According to NJ Advance Media, Cunningham was highly respected as one of Hudson Catholic’s most outstanding fullback/linebackers. Not only that, but he also achieved the impressive feat of becoming a state champion shot-putter. His talents didn’t stop there, as he also had the opportunity to play for Rutgers University.
“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 has not been determined, Stephens said.