New Jersey Teen Killed While Walking Home From Prom

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A tractor trailer struck and killed a New Jersey high school student who was walking home from his senior prom late Thursday night, prosecutors say.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, a tractor trailer hit 17-year-old Christopher Gibbs, a senior at Barringer High School in Newark, as he was crossing McCarter Highway near Fourth Avenue in Newark around 11:30 p.m. Emergency responders transported Gibbs to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:24 a.m. on Friday.

The 17-year-old was returning home from his senior prom at the time of the tragic vehicle-pedestrian strike, prosecutors said.

According to prosecutors, the driver of the tractor trailer stopped, called for help and attempted to render aid and is not currently facing criminal charges. A police investigation is active and ongoing.

Newark School Superintendent Christopher Cerf released the following statement on Friday:

"I am distraught to share that last night, Christopher J. Gibbs, a student at Barringer Academy of Arts and Humanities passed away in a tragic accident. At approximately 11:30 p.m. after returning to his home in Newark from the school’s prom in West Orange, the student was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing McCarter Highway. Christopher was a beloved member of his school community at Barringer, where he served as senior class president and was preparing to attend The College of Westchester in the fall. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Cerf added:

"Grief counselors were on site this morning at Barringer and will remain in place as long as necessary to help students and staff. The district will also work with school administrators to support his family and the larger community in the coming days."

“It is with deep sadness that I share we lost our beloved Chris Gibbs last night after prom,” Barringer Academy Principal Kimberly Honnick wrote. “Chris was accidentally struck by a vehicle while crossing Route 21 by his house. Always with a smile and a hug, Chris lit up our school with his kindness and friendship. Please keep his family and each other in your thoughts and prayers.”

Photo: Kimberly Honnick, Instagram