Former New Jersey Assemblyman Alberto Coutinho, a "beloved community giant," dies in Newark car crash
Alberto Coutinho, a former New Jersey politician, was killed in a car crash in Newark, New Jersey, over the weekend, police said.
Coutinho, 56, and another driver collided around 7:30 a.m. Sunday at McCarter Highway and South Street. The other driver is expected to survive, police said.
A look at Alberto Coutinho's career
Coutinho first served in the New Jersey Assembly for one year in 1997, then served again from 2008 to 2013 as a representative for the Garden State's 29th Legislative District, which encompasses parts of Newark.
He resigned in 2013 after pleading guilty to stealing money from his family charity.
"Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce re-entry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city," Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement.
"Everything that gets done in the East Ward is because Alberto Coutinho's hands are on it. He was my guiding light. He was the man that came up with solutions," East Ward Councilmember Michael Silva said during a vigil at Eddie Moraes Stadium on Monday night
Coutinho was a big presence in Newark Portuguese community
The annual Portuguese Day Festival in Newark, which is a massive, multi-day celebration in the Ironbound District, was established by Coutinho's family.
"Surely, the upcoming Portuguese Festival and the FIFA games will not be the same without this beloved community giant," Baraka wrote.
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said on social media Coutinho was known for "dedicating himself to the development of youth soccer programs and helping others in the community that he loved."
"More importantly, he was devoted to his family and was a true friend," DiVincenzo wrote.
"This moment is surreal. We don't know why this happened," said John Suarez, former director of operations and co-founder of the Ironbound Soccer Club.
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker hailed Coutinho as a great leader and friend.
"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," Booker wrote on X.
