Saturday, August 20, 2011
By: Stephen Spiewak

Four students were killed in a car accident on the Garden State Parkway, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

The driver and three passengers were killed. Four other people were in the car at the time of the accident, according to reports.

The four people killed in the accident were all football players, a source close to the program told MaxPreps.

The accident occurred near the ramp at exit 38 A, less than five miles from the high school. The players were reportedly on their way back from football practice.

Mainland head coach Bob Coffey was notified by a parent shortly after the accident and helped identify the players, a source told MaxPreps. The names of the players have not yet been released pending notification of family members.

The New Jersey State Police were not immediately available for comment.

Mainland is traditionally one of South Jersey’s strongest programs. The Mustangs finished 7-3 last year and were expected to improve in 2011. The team is scheduled to open the season Sept. 9 against Hammonton.