A longtime New Jersey high school coach and his wife were killed Saturday evening after their SUV suddenly accelerated and crashed into a neighboring home, triggering a fire that destroyed the vehicle and left the residence uninhabitable, according to police, as reported by The New York Post.
Thomas Hengel, 72, and his wife, Lisa Hengel, 61, died when their Hyundai Palisade veered out of control in Harrison Township, Gloucester County.
Authorities said the SUV accelerated for reasons that remain under investigation, struck a curb, crossed two front yards, and slammed into the side of a nearby house.
The impact ignited a fire that quickly engulfed the vehicle and spread through the home before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze. Despite the severity of the crash and fire, no one inside the house was injured.
Although Thomas Hengel and his wife Lisa never had children of their own, former athletes say Coach Tom filled that role for many. Student-athletes and neighbors are remembering the couple who died in a crash over the weekend. https://t.co/gD6w2vvzvc
— CBS Philadelphia (@CBSPhiladelphia) January 19, 2026
Harrison Township Police Chief Ronald Cundey said the outcome could have been far worse.
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“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 told NJ Advanced Media. “They were in their kitchen eating dinner.”
Officials said the home sustained significant structural damage and is currently uninhabitable. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours Saturday night assessing the damage and ensuring the fire was fully contained.
Investigators are continuing to examine what caused the vehicle to accelerate and leave the roadway. At this stage, authorities believe the crash was accidental and said there is no indication of criminal activity.
“It’s believed to be an accident and no criminality is suspected at this time,” Cundey said.
The deaths of Thomas and Lisa Hengel have sent shockwaves through the local community, where Thomas Hengel was widely known for his decades-long career in education and athletics.
A retired teacher, Hengel coached multiple sports over more than 40 years, including cross-country, track, basketball, and baseball.
Our thoughts are with @viewgirlsxctf on the passing of Coach Tom Hengel and his wife, Lisa. Coach Hengel was a legend in the South Jersey XC/Track & Field community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Clearview community. pic.twitter.com/CapQqQalPR
— Hammonton XC & Track (@HHSGirlsXCTrack) January 19, 2026
His coaching career began in 1981 at Clearwater Regional High School, where he became a fixture in the school’s athletic programs.
Over the years, Hengel earned a reputation for dedication to student-athletes and long-term commitment to youth sports in Gloucester County.
In recognition of his contributions, Hengel was inducted into the Gloucester County Sport Hall of Fame in 2018.
More recently, he was named Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year by NJ.com in 2022, an honor that highlighted his continued involvement and influence well into retirement.
Neighbors described the couple as familiar and respected figures in the area. Several residents gathered near the scene Saturday night as emergency crews worked, expressing disbelief over the sudden loss.
Authorities said the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing and will include a review of the vehicle and roadway conditions. No additional details have been released.
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