High School Senior Headed Home From Prom Struck, Killed By Tractor Trailer In Newark
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A Newark high school is in mourning after a student on his way home from his senior prom was struck and killed by a tractor trailer Thursday night.
Barringer High School student Christopher Gibbs, 17, was crossing McCarter Highway near 4th Avenue around 11:30 p.m. when he was hit, authorities said.
School officials said after getting home from prom, Gibbs decided to walk to the 7 Eleven along the highway.
The driver of the tractor trailer stopped, called for help and attempted to render aid. The teen was rushed to University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
"Christopher was a beloved member of his school community at Barringer, where he served as senior class president and was preparing to attend The College of Westchester in the fall," School Superintendent Christopher Cerf said in a statement. "Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Grief counselors were at the school Friday.
"Everybody was down, heartbroken, gloomy," junior Davon Charles said.
Gibbs served as a senior class president and was set to receive a special superintendent's award, CBS2's Alice Gainer reported.
The school's principal was too upset to go on camera but spoke to CBS2 by phone.
"Chris was just an incredible student, very diligent, intelligent, articulate. But he was a genuinely kind person, and like I said, just always had a smile and just showed kindness toward everyone," Dr. Kimberly Honnick said.
Gibbs served as a senior class president and was set to receive a special superintendent's award, CBS2's Alice Gainer reported.
"Three-E Award, and the three Es stand for equity, excellence and effort. And the award is given to our school's valedictorian and salutatorian and then the school nominates three other seniors," Honnick said. "He just treated everyone in situations the same, with the same level of kindness and respect."
He was also supposed to speak at graduation.
"He was a nice kid. He was quiet, but well known at the same time. Got his work done. He was a good influence on people," Charles said.
Gibbs was a big influence on Charles.
"He told me to at least make honor roll three times" he recalled.
He had a presence among all grades at the school.
"He just made all of us laugh, laughing for like a whole 30 minutes. That's how funny he was," freshman Doniel Lee said.
The investigation is ongoing. So far, no charges have been filed.