Lawrence High School Teen Killed In Crash Was Set To Graduate June 22

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Lawrence Township Public Schools and the community at large are mourning the death of high schooler Daijah McKithen who was killed in a crash Thursday afternoon.

McKithen, 18, was just a few weeks away from celebrating her graduation, the school district said. The Lawrence High School graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 22.

On Friday morning, her peers, staff and parents gathered in front of her parking spot in school, filling it with flowers, candles and messages.

In a message, Superintendent Ross Kasun said the school community was “deeply saddened” to hear of McKithen’s passing. He asked parents to be especially sensitive during this time and offer support to students.

“This tragic event has left us all deeply saddened and our thoughts and condolences go out to Daijah’s family and friends during this difficult time. Many students and staff will be affected by this news,” Kasun said.

“We encourage you to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to your child during this time. Over the next few days, encourage your child to express their feelings and listen attentively. You may see behavior changes, loss of concentration, physical complaints, or social withdrawal. Although adults cannot have answers to all the questions that children may have about death, we can help children better understand the grieving process.”

Counseling staff will be available to help students who seek support.

McKithen was killed Thursday afternoon in a crash involving a dump truck. More: Lawrence Teen Killed In Crash Involving Dump Truck: Police

On Thursday, around 12:17 p.m., police responded to the area of Brunswick Pike (Route 1) and Franklin Corner Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash.

The sedan that McKithen was driving and the dump truck collided and crashed into a gas pump at the nearby Shell station.

McKithen was pronounced dead at the scene and the dump truck driver, Suleyman Durdu, 28 from Bordentown, sustained moderate non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

The crash and details are under investigation, police said.

Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Thomas Everist at 609-896-1111 or email teverist@lawrencetwp.com or Detective Paulina Way at 609-844-7133 or pway@lawrencetwp.com.

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