Months After Death of Gavyn Connolly, 15, ‘Hit-Run’ Driver Charged

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (Gloucester) — A man who police said left the scene after hitting a 15-year-old girl crossing Route 42 in April has now been charged with her death.

Sterling Knight, 22, of Stratford, was arrested Friday at his job at a Dunkin' Donuts in Somerdale and charged in the death of Gavyn Connolly, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said Friday.

Gavyn was leaving a carnival on the northbound side of Route 42 and was standing on the southbound side of the highway near Greentree Road when Knight hit her with his 2011 Toyota Yaris, investigators said.

Weisenfeld said Knight briefly left the scene but returned a few minutes later.

Townsquare Media reported in June that Knight had reportedly fled the scene. Prosecutors say he returned several minutes later.

Other passersby and drivers called for help. One woman rushed to Gavyn's side, comforting her as she died.

Townsquare Media obtained recordings of eight 911 calls — none of them placed by Knight.

Knight was charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident. He is being held at the Salem County Jail pending $50,000 bail.

Immediately after the crash, Washington Township police issued Knight traffic violations, charging him with failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident, passing on the right and reckless driving.

The teen's obituary says she “had a profound impact” on those who knew her.

After her death, her organs were donated and helped save the lives of five people, including a 12-year-old boy, her family said.