EAST WINDSOR: Upper Freehold crash kills HHS senior

By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
EAST WINDSOR — An 18-year-old East Windsor resident was killed when he lost control of his 1997 White Chevrolet pick-up truck in Upper Freehold, according to New Jersey State Police.
   On Sunday, Hightstown High School senior Tyler Hettel, 18, was driving east on Clarksburg-Robbinsville Road when he lost control of his car and crashed, New Jersey State Police Trooper Jeff Flynn said.
   The truck went off the left side of the roadway, struck a tree and caught on fire, he said.
   The crash was reported to police at 5:22 p.m., said Trooper Flynn.
   Mr. Hettel became trapped inside his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
   According to Trooper Flynn, Mr. Hettel was the only passenger in the car.
   The Hope Fire Company in Freehold put out the fire and performed the extraction.
   ”The crash still remains under investigation,” Trooper Flynn said earlier this week.
   Mr. Hettel was a senior at Hightstown High School, according to officials.
   Superintendent of Schools Edward J. Forsthoffer put out a statement on the East Windsor Regional Schools’ website.
   ”I am writing with great sadness to inform you of the tragic death of one our high school students,” said Mr. Forsthoffer. “At a time like this, words seem to be inadequate, but the family and friends of Tyler are very much in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
   According to the high school, guidance counselors were offering counseling services to fellow students and resources from the school’s Crisis Response Team.
   Hightstown High School Principal Dennis Vinson did not respond to requests for further comment.