Trenton high school mourns ROTC cadet killed before homecoming

Day of mourning: Fire claims life of beloved Trenton Central High student Dan Alexander Published: September 22, 2025 Row homes on Olden Avenue in Trenton after a fire 9/20/26 (Mayor Reed Gusciora), Trenton Central High School student Joseph Kokulo (@trentonjrotc via Instagram)

🔥 A late-night Trenton fire killed a high school junior ROTC cadet and damaged seven homes.

🚒 Police officers, a firefighter, and a good Samaritan helped rescue trapped residents.

🕊️ Joseph Kokulo’s death cast a shadow over Trenton’s homecoming parade.

TRENTON — A high school junior ROTC member was killed in a fire that heavily damaged seven homes late Friday night.

The fire in the 1200 block of Olden Avenue injured four people, including a firefighter from Hopewell, according to Mayor Reed Gusciora.