Democrat Albert Coutinho, a former member of the New Jersey State Assembly, was killed in a tragic two-car crash in Newark on Sunday morning, officials said.
Coutinho, who left office when he was caught embezzling funds from his family’s charity but continued to be a key player in the local Portuguese community, was involved in a two-car collision on McCarter Highway in Newark around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
Coutinho survived the initial crash but suffered a fatal heart attack on the scene, NJ.com reported.
He first began serving in May 1997 after being appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jackie Mattison in the state’s 29th legislative district, which includes Newark.
He was later elected to a full term in the Assembly in November 2007 and won re-election in 2009 and 2011.
Coutinho also served as a commissioner on the Newark Central Planning Board from 1996 to 2005, and on the Zoning Board of Adjustment from 1993 to 1996. He was an Essex County Utilities Authority commissioner from 1992 to 1998.
Coutinho resigned from the Assembly in 2013 after pleading guilty to theft from his family’s charity and suffering a heart attack.
According to a report from New Jersey Globe, he worked for Coutinho’s Bakery, his family’s business, and led other companies.
In the wake of the news of his death, tributes have poured in for the former lawmaker and community leader.
Senator Cory Booker remembered Coutinho as a devoted public servant and community leader — praising his compassion, his work in the Ironbound and his impact in Trenton.
Assemblyman Albert Coutinho was not just a great Jersey leader, but a dear friend. 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.…
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) March 29, 2026
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released a statement saying:
“I join all of Newark in shock and sadness at the sudden loss of Alberto Coutinho this morning. As a former representative for New Jersey’s 28th Legislative District for more than five years, Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce reentry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city. But more than that, Al was a central pillar of our Portuguese community, the Ironbound, and the city at large. As an avid soccer fan, he prioritized his role as a soccer coach for our youth. The annual Portuguese Day Festival, so sensational that it is known nationally, was established by his family and overseen enthusiastically by Al every year. Surely, the upcoming Portuguese Festival, and FIFA games will not be the same without this beloved community giant. On behalf of the people of Newark, I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, our Ironbound neighbors and all who have been touched by the generous spirit of this remarkable man.”
In a statement, former Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, former First Lady Tammy Murphy, said they are heartbroken to learn of Coutinho’s passing.
Murphy, a fellow Democrat, pardoned Coutinho before leaving office in January.