Teenager killed in Colts Neck crash had just received degree at Brookdale Community College

Lauren Hewski, 18, had just left a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College where she earned her associate's degree.

Matt Trapani and Eliecer Marte

May 13, 2023, 2:21 AM

Updated 371 days ago

Share:

The death of a high school senior just hours after getting her diploma has left two Monmouth County school campuses in mourning.
Lauren Hewski, 18, had just left a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College where she earned her associate's degree – all while preparing to also graduate from high school next month.
Flowers adorn the site where Hewski was killed in a crash in Colts Neck. She was in the passenger seat of a Jeep Cherokee when it crashed Thursday afternoon.
According to authorities, the vehicle driven by a 17-year-old boy overturned after hitting the pole. Hewski was coming back from Brookdale Community College in Middletown after she had just graduated moments before.
Those who knew Hewski tell News 12 that she was smart and disciplined. They say that this was the reason why she was able to get an associate's degree while also attending St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel.
The college community is devastated by her death.  "We had just celebrated her success as one of our youngest college graduates at Brookdale’s morning Commencement Ceremony,” Brookdale President David Stout wrote in a statement.
Members of St. John Vianney tell News 12 that they are destroyed by Hewski’s death.
She was a student athlete with great skills in soccer and was a member of the National Honor Society. Those who knew her have also described her as kind, beautiful and intelligent.
The driver of the Jeep was taken to an area hospital. His condition was not immediately known. No charges have been filed concerning the crash.
Hewski planned to attend Syracuse University in the fall.


More from News 12
2:37
‘We’re asking to fight.’ Parents, students call on officials to save Wayne Catholic school from closing

‘We’re asking to fight.’ Parents, students call on officials to save Wayne Catholic school from closing

2:36
Clouds, some rain expected for Saturday, weather should improve by Sunday

Clouds, some rain expected for Saturday, weather should improve by Sunday

2:05
36th Annual Belmar Seafood Festival to take place this weekend at Silver Lake Park

36th Annual Belmar Seafood Festival to take place this weekend at Silver Lake Park

0:25
Prosecutor: Human remains found in 1 of 3 cars submerged in Cooper River in Pennsauken

Prosecutor: Human remains found in 1 of 3 cars submerged in Cooper River in Pennsauken

0:18
Newark police seek public’s help identifying package thief

Newark police seek public’s help identifying package thief

0:21
Officials: 3 people, including 2 officers, injured in car crash in Jersey City

Officials: 3 people, including 2 officers, injured in car crash in Jersey City

0:41
Jersey Proud: Rowan College students hold fashion show at Cherry Hill Mall with their designs

Jersey Proud: Rowan College students hold fashion show at Cherry Hill Mall with their designs

0:15
Police: Newton hospital temporarily put on lockdown amid reports of armed person

Police: Newton hospital temporarily put on lockdown amid reports of armed person

2:11
Paramus community honors student, teacher killed in school bus crash six years ago

Paramus community honors student, teacher killed in school bus crash six years ago

2:26
First full week of Sen. Menendez’s federal corruption trial comes to a close

First full week of Sen. Menendez’s federal corruption trial comes to a close

2:24
New Jersey man dubbed ‘most frequent flyer’ hits 24 million miles in the sky

New Jersey man dubbed ‘most frequent flyer’ hits 24 million miles in the sky

3:17
Peapack-Gladstone residents, business owners split on decision to euthanize geese in borough

Peapack-Gladstone residents, business owners split on decision to euthanize geese in borough

1:30
Scottie Scheffler, charged with assault after officer dragged near fatal crash, tees off at PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler, charged with assault after officer dragged near fatal crash, tees off at PGA Championship

1:36
Hoboken introduces ordinance banning single-use food items in take-out orders. See the plan.

Hoboken introduces ordinance banning single-use food items in take-out orders. See the plan.

0:50
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in downtown Somerville

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in downtown Somerville

PSE&G warns of balloon, kite and drone hazards during outdoor celebrations

PSE&G warns of balloon, kite and drone hazards during outdoor celebrations

0:28
Bayonne fire captain honored for saving swimmer in Virginia

Bayonne fire captain honored for saving swimmer in Virginia

0:21
Police warn of phony $100 bills scam in Pompton Lakes

Police warn of phony $100 bills scam in Pompton Lakes

0:32
New Jersey’s Lucy the Elephant ranks No. 1 must-see roadside attraction in the US

New Jersey’s Lucy the Elephant ranks No. 1 must-see roadside attraction in the US

0:20
Prosecutor: Driver in fatal Newark pedestrian strike charged with suspended license

Prosecutor: Driver in fatal Newark pedestrian strike charged with suspended license