A horrific crash early Sunday morning claimed the lives of four bochurim traveling on a bain hazmanim road trip, after a suspected drunk driver traveling in the wrong direction slammed head-on into their vehicle on the New Jersey Turnpike near the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

The tragic collision occurred around 12:30 a.m., when the driver, reportedly heading north in the southbound lanes, struck the car carrying the group of yeshiva bochurim. The four bochurim—all around 20 years old—were tragically niftar in the crash.

The niftarim have been identified as Yaakov Kilberg z”l, the son of R’ Moishe and Shlomis; Aharon Nosson Lebovitz z”l, the son of R’ Moshe Shimon and Dubby; Shlomo Abba Cohen z”l, the son of R’ Dovid and Esther – all from Lakewood; and Chaim Simcha Grossman z”l from South Fallsburg, whose grandparents reside in Lakewood.

One of the victims was a talmid of Rabbi Feigenbaum’s yeshiva in Lakewood.

Misaskim and other askanim are currently on the scene and coordinating closely with local and state authorities to ensure kavod hameis and to assist with the necessary arrangements.

Oorah’s “The Zone” sent out the following message:

Dear Staff,

We are deeply shocked and saddened to share the heartbreaking news that a beloved Zone staff member, Aharon Nosson Lebovits (known fondly as Lebo), passed away today unexpectedly in a tragic car accident.

Lebo was a counselor in the Junior Division, and a treasured part of TheZone family. His impact on our campers and staff was immeasurable, and his memory will continue to inspire all of us who were privileged to know him.

A video of a division head sharing the news with the campers will be posted in the chat. If you feel it’s appropriate, you can choose to watch it together with your child (If your son isn’t on the chat and you’d like to watch the video with him, please reply to this email and we’d be happy to send you a copy.)

Levaya (funeral) information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family through this extremely difficult time. May they be comforted among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim and may we share only good tidings.

TheZone

Levaya details will be published as they become available.

Besuros Tovos.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)