Former New Jersey assemblyman Alberto Coutinho was killed Sunday in a car crash in Newark, the Essex County Prosecutor and Newark Public Safety director said. The 56-year-old served in the state legislature for more than five years. Authorities say the crash happened at McCarter Highway and South Street around 7:30 a.m. in the Ironbound section of the city. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) praised Coutinho as “a dear friend,” adding “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.” The driver of the other vehicle was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. “Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce reentry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “Al was a central pillar of our Portuguese community, the Ironbound, and the city at large.” “Surely, the upcoming Portuguese Festival, and FIFA games will not be the same without this beloved community giant,” Baraka added. The Ironbound section of Newark, of which Coutinho hailed from and where the deadly crash took place, has a big portuguese community. His father was the founder and organizer of the successful Portuguese Day Parade which has taken place in June for the past few decades. The Coutinho family’s deep ties in the community also extends to the business realm. The family owns “Coutinho’s” a highly successful bakery. Coutinho’s time in office ended abruptly when he resigned in 2013 due to legal charges concerning corruption. Then-Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) pardoned Coutinho in January. ...read more read less