‘Very sad day’: High school track world shocked after beloved coach killed in crash

NJ.com • January 19, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

Thomas Hengel, a beloved Clearview High School coach and South Jersey Hall-of-Famer, and his wife Lisa died in a fiery SUV crash into a home in Gloucester County on Saturday night.
Hengel, 72, had a 42-year coaching career at Clearview, leading teams in track, cross country, baseball, and basketball, and earned multiple coaching honors including South Jersey Sports Hall of Fame Coach of the Year in 2014.
The accident involved Hengel’s SUV accelerating uncontrollably, striking a curb, crossing yards, and crashing into a house next door to their home in Mullica Hill.
Hengel was widely respected in the South Jersey athletic community for his dedication, mentorship, and impact