Former New Jersey Assemblyman Albert Coutinho died Sunday morning following a two-car crash in Newark. The 56-year-old was involved in the collision on McCarter Highway around 7:30 a.m. According to reports, he initially survived the crash but later suffered a fatal heart attack at the scene.
Coutinho, a Democrat, served more than five years in the New Jersey State Assembly and was widely known within the state’s Portuguese community. He played a prominent role in organizing Newark’s annual Portugal Day Festival, a long-running cultural event tied to his family’s charitable foundation. His involvement in community activities continued even after his time in public office.
He stepped down from the legislature in 2013 after authorities found he had improperly taken funds from a family charity. Coutinho later accepted a plea agreement that included probation and restrictions on holding public office. In early 2026, he received a pardon from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
Outside of politics, Coutinho remained active in local initiatives, including co-founding the Ironbound Soccer Club and supporting youth athletics. He was inducted into the New Jersey Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2021. Friends, community members, and public officials remembered him for his dedication to others and his lasting contributions to the community.