A tragic two-vehicle collision on the New Jersey Turnpike early Sunday morning claimed the lives of four young men, leaving the Orthodox Jewish community in Lakewood and beyond in profound mourning. The crash occurred just north of the Delaware Memorial Bridge near Exit 1 around 12:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes, according to New Jersey State Police.
Preliminary reports indicate that one of the vehicles was traveling north in the southbound lanes when it collided head-on with another car carrying the group of yeshiva students. All four passengers in the students’ vehicle died at the scene. The driver of the other car was transported to a nearby hospital; their condition has not been released.
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The victims have been identified as:
Yaakov Kilberg z”l, son of R’ Moishe and Shlomis Kilberg (Lakewood)
Aharon Nosson (Lebo) Lebovitz z”l, son of R’ Moshe Shimon and Dubby Lebovitz (Lakewood)
Shlomo Abba Cohen z”l, son of R’ Dovid and Esther Cohen (Lakewood)
Chaim Simcha Grossman z”l, from South Fallsburg, with grandparents in Lakewood
All four were around 20 years old and described as dedicated yeshiva bochurim with bright futures. The three Lakewood students attended Rabbi Feigenbaum’s yeshiva, while Grossman studied in South Fallsburg. They had reportedly been returning home from a weekend trip when the fatal crash occurred.
The accident forced closure of all southbound lanes south of Interchange 1 for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene. By morning, traffic was diverted along the right shoulder as investigators continued processing the site.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Orthodox Jewish community. Friends, classmates, and rabbis expressed shock and grief, recalling the young men as “exceptional, joyful, kind, and devoted to Torah learning.”
Community organizations such as Misaskim and other askanim coordinated with law enforcement to ensure kavod hameis (proper honor for the deceased) and assist with family arrangements.
Aharon Nosson Lebovitz z”l, who had also served as a counselor in Oorah’s “The Zone” summer program, was remembered fondly by staff and campers. “Lebo’s impact on our campers and staff was immeasurable, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him,” the organization stated.
In Lakewood, residents and yeshiva students gathered to recite Tehillim (Psalms) and offer prayers for the families. Funeral arrangements are underway, and the community continues to rally around the grieving families, seeking comfort in faith and mutual support.
“Baruch Dayan Ha’emes — Blessed is the True Judge,” one friend wrote, honoring the memories of the young men. “May their memories be a blessing, and may their families be comforted among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.”