Beloved coach, wife killed after SUV crashes into Gloucester County home and catches fire

HARRISON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A tight-knit Gloucester County community is mourning after a sudden and devastating crash claimed the lives of a beloved high school coach and his wife Saturday night.

Police say 72-year-old Thomas Hengel and 61-year-old Lisa Hengel were killed when their Hyundai SUV suddenly accelerated and crashed into a neighbor's home on the unit block of Banff Drive in Harrison Township just after 6 p.m. The impact sparked a fire that quickly engulfed the vehicle and spread through much of the house.

Neighbors say the terrifying scene unfolded in seconds.

"The flames were up by the roof, they were up high," said neighbor Gary DeVine.

Investigators say no one inside the home was injured, but the fire left the residence unlivable.

According to Harrison Township police, there is no indication of foul play.

"At this point, we don't believe it's anything other than a tragic accident," said Sgt. Kurt Pflugfelder.

As investigators work to determine what caused the sudden acceleration, tributes continue to pour in online for Thomas Hengel, who spent more than four decades shaping young lives at Clearview High School.

Hengel taught and coached cross-country and track for over 40 years, earning numerous honors, including Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2022.

The school released a statement remembering Hengel's lasting influence:

"As an educator and coach, Tom impacted generations of students, teaching far more than academics or athletics. He taught perseverance, mental toughness, personal accountability, and the importance of character."

The school community lowered its flag to half-staff, a visible symbol of grief as students, staff, and neighbors struggle to process the sudden loss.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office is now handling the investigation.