A tragic crash in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, has claimed the life of a high school senior and left two classmates seriously injured. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, on Route 31 near Titus Mill Road and Hopewell Pennington Road in Mercer County.

According to police, the driver of a Honda Civic veered out of the southbound lane and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer. All three occupants in the car were students at Lenape High School in Burlington County.

One student died at the scene. The other two were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

A letter from Lenape High School Principal Tony Cattani confirmed the students involved were members of the Class of 2025 and close friends. Their names have not been released.

The crash came just days after the school's senior prom and only weeks before graduation, amplifying the emotional toll on the school community.

“They talked over the loudspeaker saying who he was and how tragic it was,” said student Alex Hamilton. Another senior, Salvatore Neri, shared, “Being in class and seeing the seat that won’t be filled by him again is very traumatizing.”

Grief counseling and emotional support were made available to students and staff through the Burlington County Crisis Response Team. Those needing further assistance are encouraged to contact the Lenape Counseling Center at 609-654-5111, extensions 3340 or 33600.

“Our thoughts are with all of the families involved during this extremely difficult time,” Principal Cattani wrote. “As we navigate this loss, I know our school community will come together to support one another with compassion and care.”

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