NJ Teen Killed By Truck On His Way To School

GLOUCESTER, NJ - A New Jersey teen who was walking to school on Friday morning was pronounced dead the next day after he was hit by a vehicle less than a mile from the high school, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Christopher Kuhnel Jr., 17, was struck by a pickup truck around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 19 at the intersection of Somerset Street and Johnson Boulevard in Gloucester City, authorities said. He was transported to the hospital and “put on life support after suffering internal injuries,” per a GoFundMe set up for his family. Kuhnel Jr. was pronounced dead on Nov. 20.

The Camden County Crash Response Investigation Team responded to the scene and conducted
an investigation. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene, rendered aid to the teen and cooperated with the investigation. No charges were filed and the investigation is ongoing.

“He was an amazing son, big brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who brought smiles to everyone who knew him,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Christopher enjoyed gaming and spending time with his family and friends. Chris would have graduated high school this year. Anybody who knew him, knew he was the most kind hearted, loving, funny and intelligent young man.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kuhnel family, including Christopher’s younger sibling, who is a student at Gloucester Middle School,” Gloucester City Superintendent Sean Gorman said in a statement, per NJ.com. “Christopher was a wonderful young man who was a joy to be around - humorous, fun-loving, and kind to others. It’s truly a heartbreaking loss.”

Those with information about the crash are asked to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Samuel Funches at 856-225-8400, ext. 8083 or the Gloucester City Police Department at 856-456-7797. Tips can also be sent via email to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.