A devastating car accident on the New Jersey Turnpike has claimed the lives of four teenagers, leaving their families and community in mourning. The victims have been identified as Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, and Chaim Grossman, all aged 18, along with Yaakov Kilberg, aged 19. Three of the victims were residents of Lakewood, New Jersey.
The collision occurred in Carneys Point Township as the four friends were driving southbound near the Delaware Memorial Bridge. According to the New Jersey State Police, Christopher Neff, a 41-year-old from Colorado, was driving a Dodge pickup truck in the wrong direction when he collided head-on with the teenagers’ vehicle. Following this initial impact, a freight liner that was traveling behind the teens also struck their car. Tragically, all four young men died at the scene, while Neff sustained serious injuries.
The victims were classmates who had attended the same Jewish school, forging strong bonds of friendship. In a heartfelt statement, Aharon Lebovits’ family expressed that he had a remarkable ability to connect with others, stating, “Anyone who he crossed paths with quickly became a friend and part of his ever-growing circle.”
Rabbi Shlomo Landau, a family friend, reflected on the joy Aharon and Shlomo brought to his home. “We loved it when they would come to our house. My kids loved it,” he shared. The Rabbi added, “We believe there’s an afterlife and we believe that these young men are in a really beautiful and sweet spot.”
In response to the tragedy, Chai Lifeline, a crisis support organization, has stepped in to provide counseling services to those affected. Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline, highlighted the importance of emotional support, stating, “They are able to give emotional first aid to the people who are affected by this terrible trauma.”
The circumstances surrounding Neff’s wrong-way driving remain unclear. As the investigation continues, New Jersey State Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the pickup truck prior to the crash. As of now, no charges have been filed against Neff.
The loss of these four young lives has sent shockwaves through their community, highlighting the deep connections they shared and the impact they had on those around them. The families are now left to navigate their grief while seeking answers in the wake of this tragic event.
