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.
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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.
