RAHWAY – A 19-year-old Rahway High School 2022 graduate who played on the boys basketball team died Sunday after a two-vehicle crash on St. George Avenue.
Kenneth Posey was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Rahway, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
“We are all devastated by the sad news of Kenneth’s untimely passing,” said Jeff Lubreski, who was the head coach of the Rahway boys basketball team last season. “He will always be remembered as an extremely humble and unassuming leader of our team. He started training every day with kind words for both the players and the coaches. As a senior and our best player, he showed great respect and patience for our young, inexperienced players he was surrounded by. He took it upon himself to show them the way and offer constant words of support. Although a quiet leader. he played and trained with great passion and effort. He left an indelible mark not only on the basketball program, but also on the community. He will be greatly missed, but forever remembered.”
Rahway police said they responded around 12:15 p.m. Sunday to St. George Avenue near Moses Drive for a report of a serious crash involving a 2017 Ford F-250 driven by Jose Santos, 48, of Clark, and gray 2014 Infinity Q50. from Posy.
A preliminary investigation indicates the Infinity traveled from the northbound lanes of St. George Avenue to the southbound lanes and collided with a pickup truck, police said.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Rahway Department’s Traffic Bureau.
Rahway had a young team last season and Posey was a key player returning with varsity experience. He took on the role of mentor to the young players.
“He understood it more than maybe a kid who was a teenager, and he just said, ‘I’m going to go with it,'” Lubreski said. “I’ll do my best with it.” A bit of maturity for his years. There were moments where you could see the frustration, but he fought it and said, “Well, it’s not going to do anything.” So let me just get back to what I’m doing.’ I hope the kids who are back this year really benefit from the way Kenny has been patient and worked with them. … He did some things for his family and community to be proud of.”
Lubreski laughed when asked what position Posey played — he did everything from attacking to dribbling. He was happy to jump in wherever needed. Most impressive about Posey, however, was his leadership. Lubreski noted that he also juggled work during the season to go along with basketball and school work.
“I can think of a bunch of situations where a player misses an easy shot or turns the ball over, and being young, you see them step up that game,” he said. “Kenny was always there, ‘Just keep going.’ Get moving. Forget about it. You’ll get it next time.’ He was just there for the mistakes, just said, ‘Look, don’t let it affect the next play.’ Don’t let it affect your approach. You are going to get it. You will be fine.” Just these constant words of support and, again, very unhelpful for an older person.”
Posey earned honorable mention on the Home News Tribune/GMC All-Area Boys Basketball Teams last winter.
Rahway athletic director Tom Lewis said Posey’s death hit the community hard and that Posey had a good character and good character.
“I liked him more as a person than a basketball player because of his kindness,” Lewis said.
The GoFundMe page is called A Celebration of Life – Kenneth Posey was created on Monday by Tara-Lynn St. Elien to raise $10,000 for Posey’s funeral.
“Family first” was his motto. He was known for being there for loved ones, friends and was ready to help anyone. His huge heart made it easy to love him and his character was honest. Kenneth was a future Rutgers Scholar, a leader, a great basketball player, a future entrepreneur and a hard-working brother and son,” read the page, which featured a photo of Posey in her graduation gown.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Eric Eabuin at 732-827-2073 (Eabuin@rahwaypolice.com) or the Rahway Police Department’s main phone number at 732-388-1900. Anonymous tips are welcome.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is MyCentralJersey.com’s breaking news reporter, covering crime, trials and other mayhem. For unlimited access, sign up or activate your digital account today.
