High School Coach and Wife Killed in SUV Crash into N.J. Home
A tragic accident occurred in Gloucester County, New Jersey, claiming the lives of a respected high school coach and his wife. On Saturday evening, Thomas Hengel, 72, lost control of his SUV, resulting in a collision with a home. Both he and his wife, Lisa Hengel, 61, died at the scene.
Accident Details
The incident took place at approximately 6:17 p.m. on Banff Drive in the Mullica Hill area of Harrison Township. Harrison Police Chief Ronald Cundey reported that the couple resided in Mullica Hill. Fortunately, the family inside the home was unharmed, as they were not in the front living room at the time of the crash.
Circumstances of the Crash
- The vehicle involved was a 2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV.
- The SUV was traveling north on Banff Avenue before the crash.
- Reasons for rapid acceleration and loss of control are under investigation.
The vehicle struck a curb, traveled through two front yards, and collided with the residence, leading to a severe fire that engulfed the SUV and spread rapidly within the house. Fire crews managed to extinguish the flames, but the home experienced significant structural damage and is now deemed uninhabitable.
Investigation and Legacy
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident. Initial findings suggest that no criminal activity was involved, indicating the crash was likely an accident.
Thomas Hengel was a well-regarded figure in the local sports community. He began his coaching career at Clearview Regional High School in 1981, where he led teams in multiple sports, including cross country, track, basketball, and baseball. His achievements in coaching earned him a place in the Gloucester County Sport Hall of Fame in 2018. Recently, he was honored as NJ.com’s Girls Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 2022.
This tragic event highlights the loss of a dedicated coach and family member, leaving a significant impact on the community.
