Tragic Loss: Beloved High School Track Coach Killed in Crash
In a tragic incident that shocked the community, beloved Clearview High School track coach Thomas Hengel and his wife, Lisa, lost their lives in a car crash. The devastating news broke during the Group 3 indoor track state championship relays on Sunday morning in Toms River, prompting a moment of silence to honor the couple’s legacy.
Details of the Fatal Crash
Authorities reported that the crash occurred on Saturday night when the Hengels’ SUV, a 2020 Hyundai Palisade, lost control. The vehicle was traveling north on Banff Drive in Mullica Hill. For reasons still under investigation, the SUV accelerated rapidly, veered off the road, struck a curb, and traveled across two front yards before crashing into a nearby home, which subsequently caught fire.
Community Reaction
The news of Coach Hengel’s passing spread quickly through the high school track community, leaving many in shock. Delsea track coach Ronn Flaim expressed his sorrow, acknowledging the profound impact Hengel had on countless athletes. “This is a very sad day,” he stated. Others in the community echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the enormous loss of a cherished mentor and coach.
Legacy of an Inspiring Coach
At the time of his passing, Hengel was 72 years old, having dedicated 42 years of his life to coaching at Clearview High School. Over his career, he led various sports, including track and field, cross country, baseball, and basketball, accumulating over 100 seasons of coaching experience.
- Inducted into the South Jersey Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Named Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.
- Awarded NJ.com Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2022.
Hengel’s coaching successes included leading his teams to eight total titles in cross country, which consisted of Gloucester County, Tri-County Conference, and South Jersey, Group 3 championships.
Impact on Athletes
Former athletes like Abigail Waddington have shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing the profound influence Hengel had on their lives. Waddington remarked that he instilled discipline, dedication, and a sense of belonging in his athletes, making them not just better runners, but better individuals.
As the community mourns the tragic loss of Coach Thomas Hengel and his wife, their legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those they inspired. Colleagues and athletes alike remember him as an exceptional coach dedicated to the sport and his students, affirming, “He was a great coach and will be sorely missed.”
