Taconic State Parkway crash victim Robert Violante was a beloved N.J. football coach
Robert Violante, head football coach at New Jersey's Bergenfield High School, was killed in a horrific accident on the Taconic State Parkway in New York.
Bergenfield's superintendent and mayor confirmed Violante was one of the four people who died in the fiery collision Wednesday in Westchester County.
"It is with profound sorrow that I write to inform you of the passing of our beloved high school faculty member, head football coach, and track coach, Mr. Robert Violante — known affectionately to many as 'Coach V,'" Bergenfield Superintendent Christopher Tully in a letter to students, staff and parents Thursday. "His unexpected loss is deeply felt across our entire school community, and we know that Bergenfield High School and our town will never be the same without him. He died in a tragic car accident on the way home from school yesterday."
High school coach among 4 killed in Taconic State Parkway crash
Investigators believe Violante died after the driver of a cargo van traveling south on the parkway crossed the median and smashed into his Honda sedan on the northbound side, causing the van to overturn and burst into flames, Wednesday afternoon near Saw Mill River Road in New Castle.
Violante, of Somers, New York, died at the hospital, while three people who were in the van were pronounced dead at the scene.
New York State Police on Thursday identified the other crash victims as Odenis Balladares Martinez, of Neptune, New Jersey; Harrison Reyes Rivera, of Long Branch; and Bryan Aguilar Castillo, of Asbury Park.
The van driver, Yader A. Reyes, also of Long Branch, was critically injured in the crash, state police said. Investigators were trying to determine why he crossed the median.
"Coach V" remembered as esteemed educator, coach
Violante started working for the Bergenfield Public School District as a special education teacher 15 years ago and was an esteemed educator and coach, the superintendent's letter said.
"Many fondly compared him to Arnold Schwarzenegger's character in 'Kindergarten Cop,' a gentle giant guiding young children with care and strength," Tully wrote. "His heart of gold and unwavering support made him a beloved figure in our schools."
"Our community is grieving right now, especially the kids in school," Mayor Arvin Amatorio said in a statement to CBS News New York.
Grief counselors were made available to Bergenfield students and staff Thursday in the wake of Violante's death, the superintendent said.
"Everyone is distraught. They're in disbelief. I was walking in the hallway and it was silent, and I saw some kids crying," Patrick Abad said.
"He was very humble. He looked intimidating, but he was a very nice guy. Very, very nice guy," Christian Abad said.
Investigators said Violante, a 1990s football and basketball star at Somers High School, died on his way to the home he shared with his parents.
"Just a big heart. A big heart. It's a big loss for the community, for the neighborhood and for his family," Christine MacDonald, who watched him grow up, said.
Earlier, the New Jersey Football Coaches Association said on social media, "The NJFCA has waken up to the tragic news of Coach Rob Violante's sudden passing. He was an outstanding coach, mentor, friend & family man. Please join us in sending our collective support to his loved ones, his staff, his players & the Bergenfield community. RIP Coach Violante."
Information about memorial services for Violante will be shared on the school's website when available, the superintendent said.
