Mullica Hill, N.J. — The Mullica Hill community is mourning the devastating loss of Thomas Hengel, 72, and his wife, Lisa Hengel, 61, who were killed Saturday evening in a tragic crash that ended when their SUV struck a home and ignited a fire.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 6:17 p.m. on Banff Drive in the Mullica Hill section of Harrison Township. Thomas Hengel was driving a 2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV northbound when the vehicle suddenly accelerated for reasons still under investigation. The SUV struck a curb, crossed two front yards, and crashed into the front of a residence.
The impact caused the vehicle to catch fire, with flames quickly spreading throughout the home. Emergency crews responded swiftly and were able to extinguish the blaze, but both Thomas and Lisa Hengel were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials confirmed that the family inside the home was not injured, as they were in the kitchen at the time of the crash. The home sustained severe structural damage and has been deemed uninhabitable.
Police say the incident does not appear to be criminal in nature and is believed to be a tragic accident. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene as investigators continue working to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Thomas Hengel was widely known and deeply respected throughout Mullica Hill and Gloucester County as a beloved high school coach and educator. He began his career at Clearview Regional High School in 1981, coaching cross country, track, basketball, and baseball. A retired teacher, he was inducted into the Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 and was named NJ.com’s Girls Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 2022. Lisa Hengel is remembered as a devoted wife and cherished member of the community.
As news of the tragedy spread, an outpouring of grief and tributes followed, honoring the couple’s lives, legacy, and the profound impact they had on those around them. Mullica Hill continues to grieve the loss of two lives taken far too soon.
