Authorities say a teenage soccer player who was seriously injured in a multivehicle chain-reaction crash in South Jersey remains on life support.
Fourteen-year-old Aisling Cooke of Linwood and four teammates were on their way to compete in a charity tournament when the crash occurred Saturday morning along Route 40 in Hamilton Township. The four other girls were treated at a hospital for various undisclosed injuries and were released later Saturday.
Authorities have said an eastbound pickup truck driven by 39-year-old Nicholas Gareffi of Vineland apparently crossed the center lane. The truck first struck a westbound box truck driven by 48-year-old Darrel Jacobs of Vineland, then hit a car driven by 18-year-old Madelyn Williscroft of Linwood.
Gareffi's car then struck several trees and caught fire, while Williscroft's car spun out and came to rest in the front yard of a nearby home. The drivers of the other two vehicles escaped serious injury.
Williscroft and all her passengers are all soccer players at Mainland Regional High School in Linwood. Officials there have said counseling will be made available to students and community members to help them deal with the tragedy.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No charges had been filed as of Sunday night.
Cooke's school community continues to await word on her condition.
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"One remains in critical condition," said Robert Previti, interim superintendent of Mainland Regional High School District. "Please keep the entire Mainland Community in your thoughts and prayers."
On a message posted to the school's website, Prevati announced a special assembly at the school at 9 a.m. Tuesday that will give parents and students support. He also said grief counselors will be at the school starting Tuesday afternoon.
