Community Mourns Veteran New Jersey Coach and Wife After Tragic SUV Crash Into Mullica Hill Home

Mullica Hill, New Jersey, police reported that a longtime high school sports coach and his wife died in a horrific SUV crash that ended in a neighboring home on a peaceful Saturday evening.

The incident occurred at 6:17 p.m. on Banff Drive in Mullica Hill, a close-knit Harrison Township neighborhood. Police reported 72-year-old Thomas Hengel driving the SUV with his wife, 61-year-old Lisa Hengel, in the passenger seat. Both were pronounced dead on scene.

Authorities said the 2020 Hyundai Palisade accelerated unexpectedly while traveling north on Banff Drive. SUV hits curb, crosses two front yards, and hits home. After the crash, the car and house caught fire.

Investigators noticed the SUV impacted the Hengels’ nearby home. A family inside the home survived the crash. When the truck entered, police say the residents were eating dinner in the kitchen, not the living room.

Although firefighters extinguished the fire fast, officials claimed the home is structurally damaged and irreparable. As firemen fought the fire and detectives secured the area, other emergency and public safety organizations assisted.

Harrison Township Police Chief Ronald Cundey said early evidence suggests the incident was inadvertent and unrelated to criminality. Police are examining the sudden loss of control and acceleration, but no foul play is suspected.

The crash’s tragedy has also affected the local community, particularly schools and sports. Many knew Thomas Hengel from his decades in education and coaching. With Clearview Regional High School from 1981, he coached cross country, track, basketball, and baseball. Former teacher Hengel was recognized into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and named Girls Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 2022.

Residents and former students hailed Hengel a devoted mentor who shaped generations of sports. Residents grieve the death of local couple Thomas and Lisa Hengel.

Drivers and citizens are being reminded of the unexpected nature of traffic and the need of vehicle safety while supporting those affected by this tragic accident as the investigation continues.

Sources:
Harrison Township Police Department
Local law enforcement officials in Gloucester County