A man involved in an early Sunday morning car crash that killed popular former Assemblyman Alberto Coutinho (D-Newark) is expected to be charged with reckless vehicular homicide as early as today, the New Jersey Globe has learned.
Coutinho was involved in a two-car crash on McCarter Highway in Newark around 7:30 AM. The former Ironbound lawmaker survived the crash but died of a fatal heart attack suffered at the scene. He was taken to Newark’s University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 8:00 AM.
The other driver was also hospitalized, but the injuries were not life-threatening. There are reports that the driver was traveling at an excessively high speed. The investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s office is ongoing.
He served two stints in the New Jersey State Assembly. One from May 1997 to January 1998, when Coutinho was elected as a caretaker at the age of 27.
He ran again for the Assembly in 2007 on a ticket with Grace Spencer with the support of the Essex County Democratic organization. He defeated six-term incumbent Wilfredo Caraballo (D-Newark) in a landslide – a 5,478-vote margin
Coutinho left the legislature in the fall of 2013.
Visitation was held yesterday, and a funeral mass is scheduled for 10 AM this morning at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked friends to honor his memory by donating to the Ironbound Soccer Club – Albert Coutinho Memorial Scholarship Fund. At 45 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102. More details can be obtained from info@ironboundsoccer.com.