Newark high school senior fatally struck after prom

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A 17-year-old high school senior was struck and killed after returning home from his senior prom in Newark Thursday night.

A stellar student with a contagious personality, Christopher Gibbs barely knew at stranger at Barringer High School.

His sudden loss has broken countless hearts but his enduring legacy remains and was honored tonight during a special ceremony where he was recognized for his academic excellence.

Relentless, ambitious, determined, school administrators say 17-year-old Gibbs was blazing a trail of greatness, just before his life was tragically cut short Thursday evening.

"Chris was extraordinary special because of who he was and the essence of his heart and soul, so Chris genuinely had a generosity of spirit that just made him shine," said Dr. Kimberly Honnick, school principal.

Voted class president, Gibbs had just enjoyed his senior prom and was walking home when he was struck by a tractor trailer crossing McCarter Highway.

"It feels unreal like nobody would think that we were just last night having fun playing around jumping taking pictures and then it's like you'll never see him again," said Vivian Peralta, Valedictorian.

With a scholarship to The College of Westchester, Gibbs was honored with the Superintendent's award during a bittersweet ceremony Friday.

Amadu Jalloh who drove Gibbs to the prom says it's hard to imagine life without his friend.

"He always talked about his achievement, he always says I got accepted to this college, I got accepted to that," Jalloh said.

"One thing about Chris, he wasn't scared to talk his mind, he'll tell you his opinion, but it was always positive," said Jameila Chesteen, classmate.

No charges have yet been filed against the driver who stayed at the scene and called 911.

The investigation is active and ongoing.