Full Breakdown
Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Beloved Coach and His Wife in New Jersey
1/19/2026, 2:23:29 AM
Incident Overview
On January 17, 2026, a tragic incident occurred in Harrison Township, New Jersey, when a 2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV, driven by 72-year-old Thomas Hengel, lost control and crashed into a home on Banff Drive around 6:17 p.m. The collision resulted in both the vehicle and the residence catching fire, leading to the deaths of Thomas and his 61-year-old wife, Lisa Hengel. Fortunately, the family inside the home was unharmed, as they were in the kitchen at the time of the crash.
Circumstances of the Crash
According to police reports, the SUV was traveling north on Banff Drive when it unexpectedly accelerated, struck a curb, and crossed two front yards before crashing into the living room of the home. The impact was significant enough to cause a fire that quickly engulfed both the vehicle and a large portion of the house. Emergency responders extinguished the blaze, but the home sustained extensive structural damage and is currently uninhabitable. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the vehicle's sudden acceleration, but initial assessments suggest that the incident was an accident without criminal implications.
Remembering Thomas and Lisa Hengel
Thomas Hengel was a respected figure in the local community, having served as a coach at Clearview Regional High School since 1981. He was known for his dedication to various sports, including cross country, track, basketball, and baseball. His contributions to athletics were recognized when he was inducted into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and named NJ.com’s Girls Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 2022. Friends, former students, and neighbors have expressed their grief over the loss, highlighting the positive impact he had on many lives.
Mike Misuraco, a neighbor, reflected on the tragedy, stating, "It's just unfortunate what happened and it's horrible for us." Former student Andrea Eppehimer shared her sentiments on social media, emphasizing Hengel's commitment to discipline and life lessons beyond sports.
Official Statements & Responses
Harrison Police Chief Ronald Cundey confirmed the details of the incident, noting the fortunate absence of injuries among the occupants of the home. He remarked, “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.” The investigation into the crash continues, with multiple agencies involved in assessing the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident is being treated as an accident, some community members have raised concerns about road safety in the area, particularly regarding vehicle control and potential hazards that could lead to similar tragedies in the future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is some discrepancy regarding the exact timing of the crash, with reports indicating it occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. or around 6:30 p.m. Additionally, while the cause of the vehicle's acceleration is under investigation, no definitive conclusions have been reached.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Ronald Cundey, Harrison Police Chief
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact individuals can have on their communities.
