Tragedy

Tragedy strikes New Jersey: Three family members killed in late-night crash

The focus remains on honoring the memory of David, Michele, and Brooke, while supporting their surviving son, Max, through this unimaginable loss.

I-87 Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway in Chestnut Ridge, New York for Exit 14A to the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey (Photo: Shutterstock / Rosemarie Mosteller)

In a heart-wrenching incident late Saturday night, a Jewish family from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, suffered an unimaginable loss. David Dryerman, 54, his wife Michele, 54, and their 17-year-old daughter Brooke were killed in a devastating car crash on the Garden State Parkway.

The accident occurred just before midnight in Woodbridge Township. According to New Jersey State Police, the family's Tesla, driven by David Dryerman, veered off the northbound lane, colliding with a sign, guardrail, and concrete bridge support. Tragically, all three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

In the aftermath of this shocking event, the community has come together to mourn and support the surviving family member, Max Dryerman. Rabbi Dov Drizin of Valley Chabad in Woodcliff Lake worked closely with authorities to ensure proper kavod hameis (respect for the deceased).

On Sunday evening, approximately 150 people from Pascack Hills High School and Valley Chabad gathered for a poignant candle-lighting ceremony. Rabbi Yosef Orenstein addressed the crowd, saying, "We are all shocked and in such pain today. A terrible accident took beloved parents, David and Michele, and their daughter Brooke, a dear friend to many of our teens. Baruch Dayan HaEmes (Blessed is the True Judge)."

Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos Rendo expressed his condolences on Facebook, stating, "I just received word of this terrible tragedy. I have ordered that our flags be lowered. I am in shock. Please keep the family in your prayers."

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Yeshiva World News contributed to this article.

1 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation, and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

1
Absolutely horrible. Baruch Dayan Ha-Emet.
The Jewish Patriarch 17.09.24

Hezbollah operatives killed, Pagers explosion

Without Explosives: How Hezbollah's Phones Were Destroyed

1
| Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 17.09.24

Explosion, Family murdered, Ramle

Explosion in Ramle: 4 Dead, Infant Fighting for Life

Eliana Fleming, JFeed Staff | 12.09.24