Former New Jersey Assembly member Alberto Coutinho was killed Sunday in a car crash in Newark, the Essex County Prosecutor and Newark Public Safety director said.
The 56-year-old served in the state legislature for more than five years. Authorties say the collision happened at McCarter Highway and South Street around 7:30 a.m.
“Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce reentry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city,” said Mayor Ras Baraka (D-Newark). “Al was a central pillar of our Portuguese community, the Ironbound, and the city at large.”
“Surely, the upcoming Portuguese Festival, and FIFA games will not be the same without this beloved community giant,” Baraka added.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) praised Coutinho as “a dear friend,” adding “he was a man whose life was defined by service, compassion, and community. From coaching countless kids in the Ironbound to leading with heart in our Statehouse, he was a servant in every sense.”
Coutinho’s time in office ended abruptly when he resigned in 2013 due to legal charges. Then-Gov. Phil Murphy (D-New Jersey) pardoned Coutinho in January.
The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
