Three people died in a crash along Route 55 in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Sunday afternoon.

In a letter sent to students and families in the Delsea Regional School District, Superintendent Fran Ciociola confirmed that a student named Brenden Cary and a former student, 19-year-old Dominic Reyes, were killed in the accident.

"There are no words that can truly capture the sorrow of losing two young lives far too soon," Ciociola said. "Please know that we are holding the families close in our hearts, and as a community, we grieve alongside them."

The crash happened in the northbound lanes of Route 55 just before Exit 48 in Glassboro around 4:15 p.m. In an update Monday, New Jersey State Police said Cary was driving a Honda passenger vehicle when his car hit the left rear corner of another Honda CRV that was just ahead in the right lane.

NJSP said Cary lost control of his car, crossed over the right lane and onto the shoulder, where the Honda hit a disabled Dodge minivan that was stopped on the side of the road. Police said three juvenile passengers in the Dodge van – which overturned on impact – had minor injuries after the collision. The driver, a 36-year-old woman, was seriously hurt.

A 17-year-old passenger riding in the Honda passenger vehicle also died, police said. That victim has not been identified.

The road remained closed for several hours before reopening around 8 p.m.

Gloucester County Emergency Management initially said at least eight people were hurt in the crash, some in "gravely critical" condition, and that the victims ranged in age from children to adults.

New Jersey State Police is overseeing the investigation.

The school district said grief counselors will be on hand to help the community process what happened. Some students gathered in the school parking spot of one of the victims Monday.