MEDFORD, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Students, faculty and families at a high school in South Jersey have begun to mourn the death of one of their seniors and two others seriously injured in a car crash on Tuesday in Mercer County.
The mood was somber at Lenape High School the day after students learned of the crash. Hopewell Township Police say the crash happened just after noon Tuesday on Route 31 between Titus Mill and Hopewell Pennington roads. A Honda Civic had left the southbound lane and collided head-on with a tractor trailer.
Officials say all three occupants of the Civic were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, where one later died.
“Just him not being here, experiencing graduation and all the other stuff that’s coming up is just very sad,” student Evan Gaddy told our partners at NBC10. Gaddy was one of the many still processing the shock of the crash, just two and a half weeks before graduation at the school.
Senior Derrick Graves told NBC10 the gravity of the situation was still setting in. “Walking into school, it was a very sad and gloomy day,” he said. “Even though I didn’t know the guy personally, it was definitely a heartfelt impact on everybody.”
In a letter to the school community, Principal Tony Cattani said his thoughts are with the affected families. “As we navigate this loss, I know, as always, our school community will come together to support one another with compassion and care,” he wrote.
“Lenape High School and Lenape Regional High School District personnel are working closely with the Burlington County Crisis Response Team to provide our students, families, staff, and community with counseling support to assist with the grieving process.”
The full letter is below.
Dear Lenape Family:
Our Lenape Family suffered a tragic loss today when one of our seniors was killed in an automobile accident.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the student's family and friends and ask that you join us in respecting their privacy as they take time to grieve during this exceptionally difficult time. We understand that this loss will be felt throughout our school and our district.
Two of the student's friends, also members of the Class of 2025, were injured.
Lenape High School and Lenape Regional High School District personnel are working closely with the Burlington County Crisis Response Team to provide our students, families, staff, and community with counseling support to assist with the grieving process. The Burlington County Crisis Response Team will be available to students and staff first thing in the morning and throughout the day on May 28 to assist those in need of emotional support.
Students and staff will have varied reactions to the death of a peer and student. Any reaction is normal in the grieving process and can range from withdrawal, to crying and anger. We encourage you to openly discuss with your children their reactions and feelings regarding this tragedy. If you think your child needs additional counseling support, please do not hesitate to contact the Lenape Counseling Center at 609-654-5111, ext. 3340 or 33600.
Our thoughts are with all of the families involved during this extremely difficult time. As we navigate this loss, I know, as always, our school community will come together to support one another with compassion and care. Please continue to look after one another.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony Cattani
Lenape High School Principal