Former New Jersey assemblyman Alberto Coutinho killed in fiery crash in Newark
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The life of a once-powerful New Jersey politician was cut short in a deadly and fiery car crash.
Alberto Coutinho, 56, was a state assemblyman and a leader in the Portuguese-American community.
Coutinho was driving on Sunday morning just before 7:30 on McCarter Highway and South Street in Newark when his car collided with another.
First responders rushed him to the hospital but did not survive.
The other driver suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Police are investigating what went wrong.
Senator Cory Booker remembered Coutinho as a devoted public servant and community leader -- praising his compassion, his work in the Ironbound and his impact in Trenton.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released a statement saying,
"I join all of Newark in shock and sadness at the sudden loss of Alberto Coutinho this morning. As a former representative for New Jersey's 28th Legislative District for more than five years, Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce reentry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city. But more than that, Al was a central pillar of our Portuguese community, the Ironbound, and the city at large. As an avid soccer fan, he prioritized his role as a soccer coach for our youth. The annual Portuguese Day Festival, so sensational that it is known nationally, was established by his family and overseen enthusiastically by Al every year. Surely, the upcoming Portuguese Festival, and FIFA games will not be the same without this beloved community giant. On behalf of the people of Newark, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, our Ironbound neighbors and all who have been touched by the generous spirit of this remarkable man."
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