Hours after receiving diploma, St. John Vianney student dies in car crash
Just hours after walking on stage to receive her associate’s degree from an early college program at Brookdale, a St. John’s Vianney student was killed in a car accident Thursday afternoon.
Brookdale Community College President David M. Stout said the school was “devastated” at the death of 18-year-old Lauren Hewski.
Stout said Hewski was one of the youngest graduates of the Early College High School Program, a partnership between Brookdale and St. John Vianney High School, where students can earn an associate degree through Brookdale while simultaneously finishing high school.
"We had just celebrated her success as one of our youngest college graduates at Brookdale’s morning Commencement Ceremony," Stout said. "Lauren was an incredibly intelligent and talented young woman who left an indelibly positive impression on all of her faculty and classmates."
The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office confirmed there was a single-vehicle collision in Colts Neck shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. Police responded to Laird Road, just west of Longbridge Road, where they found an overturned Jeep Cherokee.
The driver - a 17-year-old male - was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries, while the passenger - an 18-year-old female - was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the prosecutor's office. The office has not identified the driver due to his age, and the identity of the passenger is being withheld pending notification of friends and family. The collision remains under investigation.
On Friday morning at 8:30 a.m., a college-wide moment of silence was held in honor of Hewski, according to Stout.
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"Our hearts are broken at the loss of this precious young life — a life so filled with promise and possibilities," he said. "On behalf of the entire Brookdale community and our Board of Trustees, we extend deepest condolences to Lauren’s parents, family, friends, classmates,(St. John Vianney) family, fellow (St. John Vianney) Early College graduates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her."
St. John Vianney principal Margaret Kane said Hewski was a gifted student and athlete, as a member of the girls soccer team, and that her death was a "great loss" to the school community.
"We ask for prayers and privacy for the family at this time," Kane said. "We also ask for prayers for our school community."
According to Hewski's Linkedin profile, she was involved in student government, National Honor Society and Key Club, among other extracurriculars. She had also received multiple Girl Scout awards.
Dr. J. Scott Cascone, superintendent of the Holmdel Township Public School District, also sent out an email to the school community, addressing Hewski's death. St. John Vianney is based in Holmdel.
"This is a time of great sorrow for the entire Holmdel Township community," said Cascone. "Considering the closeness and connectedness of our school communities, we understand that there may be students and staff in need of support services at this difficult time."
The school counseling staff, mental health clinicians and administration will be available Friday and in the upcoming days for school community members, he said.
This is a developing story. Check back at APP.com for updates.
Jenna Calderón covers breaking news and cold cases in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Before coming to the Press, she covered The Queen City for Cincinnati Magazine in Ohio. Contact her at 330-590-3903; jcalderon@gannettnj.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: St. John Vianney student dies in car crash just after getting diploma
