MULLICA HILL, NJ — A devastating crash in the Harrison Township community of Mullica Hill claimed the lives of Thomas Hengel, 72, a legendary high school coach, and his wife Lisa Hengel, 61, on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026.
Authorities say Hengel was driving a 2020 Hyundai Palisade when the SUV suddenly accelerated for unknown reasons around 6:17 p.m.. The vehicle struck a curb, crossed two front yards, and smashed through the exterior wall of a home at 15 Banff Drive, igniting a fire that engulfed both the SUV and the structure.
📍 Incident Details
Victims: Thomas and Lisa Hengel, Mullica Hill residents
Location: 15 Banff Drive, Harrison Township
Time: 6:17 p.m. Saturday
Vehicle: 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Outcome: SUV crashed into living room, fire destroyed vehicle and home
Fatalities: Both pronounced dead at the scene
Miracle: Occupants of the home were in the kitchen and escaped unharmed
Harrison Township Police Chief Ronald Cundey called it a miracle that no one inside the home was injured. The house, however, was left uninhabitable, and the family has been relocated.
Investigators suspect a possible medical emergency for the driver or a mechanical malfunction such as a stuck gas pedal. The crash remains under investigation by Harrison Township police and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
🏅 Remembering Coach Thomas Hengel
Thomas Hengel was a retired Clearview Regional High School teacher and one of the most respected coaches in South Jersey. His career spanned more than four decades, coaching:
Boys and girls cross country and track for 94 combined seasons
Basketball and baseball since 1981
In 2018, Hengel was inducted into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a mentor and leader who shaped generations of student‑athletes.
Former students and colleagues describe him as a pillar of the Clearview community, known for his dedication, discipline, and ability to inspire young athletes both on and off the field.
💔 Community Impact
The sudden loss of Thomas and Lisa Hengel has left Mullica Hill and the Clearview Regional community in mourning. Vigils and tributes are expected in the coming days, with alumni and athletes sharing memories of the coach who guided them through competition and life lessons.
Local leaders have emphasized the tragedy’s reminder of how quickly life can change, while praising the resilience of the family whose home was destroyed but who survived unharmed.
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