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.