by Harrison Township, NJ – A longtime high school sports coach and his wife were killed Saturday evening after their SUV suddenly accelerated, left the roadway, and slammed into a neighboring home, triggering a fast-moving fire that caused extensive damage, according to local police.
Authorities identified the victims as Thomas Hengel, 72, a retired teacher and well-known coach, and his wife Lisa Hengel, 61. Both died at the scene after their Hyundai Palisade veered out of control in a residential area of Harrison Township, Gloucester County.
Incident Overview
Police say the couple was traveling through their neighborhood when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated for reasons that remain unclear. The SUV struck a curb, crossed two front lawns, and crashed into the side of a nearby house, immediately erupting into flames.
The impact and subsequent fire engulfed the vehicle and spread rapidly to the home, forcing an urgent response from emergency crews. Firefighters arrived quickly and were able to extinguish the blaze, but not before significant damage was done to the structure.
Despite the severity of the crash and fire, officials confirmed that no one inside the home was injured.
Timeline of Events
The crash occurred on Saturday evening in Harrison Township. According to police, the SUV first mounted a curb before traveling across two front yards, gaining speed as it approached the neighboring residence.
Moments later, the vehicle struck the home’s exterior wall, igniting a fire that spread from the SUV into the house. Emergency responders from Harrison Township and surrounding areas were dispatched to the scene and worked to control the flames.
The home was eventually declared uninhabitable due to extensive structural damage.
Details From Police and Officials
Harrison Township Police Chief Ronald Cundey said investigators believe the crash was accidental and emphasized that there is no indication of criminal activity at this time.
“The family whose home it was, by the grace of God, was not in that front living room at the time where the vehicle crashed into,” Cundey said. “They were in their kitchen eating dinner.”
Chief Cundey noted that the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine what caused the sudden acceleration and loss of control. Mechanical failure has not been ruled out, and the vehicle will undergo further examination.
Investigators are carefully reviewing all factors surrounding the crash, including vehicle data and scene evidence.
Home Damage and Resident Safety
Officials confirmed the house sustained major structural damage, including fire and impact-related destruction. While no residents were physically harmed, the family has been displaced and is receiving assistance following the incident.
Emergency management officials said the situation could have been far worse had the family been in the living room at the time of impact, underscoring how narrowly a larger tragedy was avoided.
Remembering a Storied Coaching Career
Thomas Hengel was widely respected throughout Gloucester County for his decades-long dedication to student-athletes. A retired teacher, he coached cross-country, track, basketball, and baseball, beginning his career at Clearview Regional High School in 1981.
His contributions to youth sports earned him induction into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, a distinction that reflected his influence both on and off the field. In 2022, he was named Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year by NJ.com, highlighting his continued impact well into his later years.
Former players, colleagues, and community members have begun sharing tributes, remembering Hengel not only as a coach, but as a mentor who shaped lives far beyond athletics.
Investigation Continues
Police stressed that while the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, all available evidence currently points to a tragic accident. Mechanical issues, medical factors, and environmental conditions are all being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Chief Cundey reiterated that there is no suspicion of criminality, and officials will release additional information if new findings emerge.
Conclusion
The sudden loss of Thomas and Lisa Hengel has left a profound void in the Harrison Township community, particularly among generations of students who knew Hengel as a coach, teacher, and role model. As investigators work to understand what led to the fatal crash, residents are also grappling with the reminder of how quickly everyday moments can turn tragic.
Community members with information related to the incident are encouraged to contact local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
