By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the identities of five out of six individuals who tragically lost their lives in a car crash earlier this month in Newark.
According to a statement released by Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, the victims include four men and one woman, all residents of Jersey City.
The crash occurred late on Friday, December 6th, at approximately 11:28 p.m. Newark Police responded to a report of an accident near the southbound Route 1 & 9 on-ramp, just off Raymond Boulevard.
Authorities said a 2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat veered off the roadway while navigating the ramp, went airborne, and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway before finally coming to rest beneath the 1 & 9 on-ramp.
The vehicle then became engulfed in flames.
The medical examiner has identified the driver as 31-year-old Mr. Lamar McKnight.
The other victims include 29-year-old Mr. Darryl McKnight, 22-year-old Mr. Darnell Carr, 41-year-old Bradley Cunningham, and 31-year-old Veronica Bailey.
The name of the sixth victim remains unreleased, as DNA testing is still pending.
Investigators are continuing to work on determining the cause of the crash, and the circumstances leading up to the accident remain unclear at this time.
The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of late-night driving and high-speed vehicles.
Community members in Jersey City and Newark have been expressing their condolences for the families affected, as the loss of six lives in a single event has deeply impacted both communities. 
Further updates on the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.