By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

The local community is mourning the loss of two Pennsauken High School students, Emmanuel and Marcus Crawford, who passed away in a car accident near Hammonton in Atlantic County.

According to information provided by the New Jersey State Police, the driver, 19-year Nijul Crawford, the brother of the two boys and a member of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2019, lost control of the vehicle, sending it into the woods. Emmanuel, 15, and Marcus, 16, along with Maryha Toho, 19, of Philadelphia, were killed in the crash. Nijul is currently in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

“These young men were enthusiastic and hard working students who exemplified the core values of the Pennsauken School District. They were multi-sport athletes and highly involved in extracurricular activities and our CTE program,” the District said in a statement. “The Pennsauken School District offers our most sincere condolences to their family. Our heart breaks for their mother, who has been a valued member of the Pennsauken School Family. We hope their brother, who was also in the accident, makes a full recovery. And our thoughts and prayers are with their sister, who is scheduled to graduate as a member of the Pennsauken High School Class of 2020.”

“Loss of life, especially of those so young, hits all of us extremely hard. Our community, as well as their loved ones and friends, are not only missing out on the joy these teens brought to those around them every day, but also the tremendous potential of who they were to become,” wrote Pennsauken Mayor Tim Killion in an online post. “On behalf of myself, as well as the entire Township Committee and our municipal staff, we offer our most heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, schoolmates, and teachers as they grieve. We are One Pennsauken. We mourn with you.”

District officials stated that there will be a moment of silence in memory of the teens during this week’s graduation ceremonies.