A devastating two-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Sunday morning claimed the lives of four young men, three of them from Lakewood’s Orthodox Jewish community. The tragedy occurred just north of the Delaware Memorial Bridge near Exit 1 and has left both local and wider Jewish communities in deep mourning.
According to New Jersey State Police, the collision took place around 12:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Carneys Point Township, Salem County. Two vehicles were involved, and preliminary reports suggest that one of the cars was traveling north in the southbound lanes when it collided head-on with another vehicle carrying the group of yeshiva students.
All four passengers in the students’ car were tragically killed at the scene. A fifth individual, believed to be the driver of the other vehicle, was transported to a nearby hospital; their current condition has not been disclosed.
The victims have been identified as Yaakov Kilberg z”l, the son of R’ Moishe and Shlomis Kilberg; Aharon Nosson (Lebo) Lebovitz z”l, the son of R’ Moshe Shimon and Dubby Lebovitz; and Shlomo Abba Cohen z”l, the son of R’ Dovid and Esther Cohen — all from Lakewood; and Chaim Simcha Grossman z”l of South Fallsburg, whose grandparents reside in Lakewood.
All four were around 20 years old and were described as dedicated yeshiva bochurim (students) with bright futures ahead of them. The three Lakewood students attended Rabbi Feigenbaum’s yeshiva, while Grossman studied in South Fallsburg. The group had reportedly been returning home from a weekend trip when the crash occurred.
The crash forced authorities to close all southbound lanes of the Turnpike south of Interchange 1 for several hours as emergency crews worked through the night. By morning, traffic was being diverted along the right shoulder while investigators continued to process the scene.
The loss has reverberated throughout the Orthodox Jewish community, with friends, classmates, and rabbis expressing profound grief and shock. “These were four exceptional young men, filled with joy, kindness, and commitment to Torah learning,” one Lakewood resident shared. “It’s impossible to comprehend such a tragedy.”
Community Response
Misaskim and other community askanim were on the scene shortly after the accident, coordinating closely with law enforcement and medical examiners to ensure kavod hameis (the proper honor and respect due to the deceased) and to assist with the necessary arrangements for the victims’ families.
Oorah’s “The Zone” summer program also released a heartfelt message following the passing of Aharon Nosson (Lebo) Lebovitz z”l, who had been a beloved counselor in the camp’s Junior Division.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened to share the heartbreaking news that a beloved Zone staff member, Aharon Nosson Lebovitz (known fondly as Lebo), passed away today unexpectedly in a tragic car accident,” the message read.
“Lebo was a counselor in the Junior Division, and a treasured part of The Zone 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.”
Camp administrators said they plan to share a video of a division head informing the campers of the tragic news, and they encouraged parents to view it together with their children if they wish.
Community in Mourning
In Lakewood, yeshiva students and residents gathered throughout Sunday to recite Tehillim (Psalms) and offer prayers for the families. “This is an unimaginable loss,” said one rebbi who knew the boys personally. “Each one was a shining example of what a ben Torah should be — respectful, kind, and full of life.”
Funeral arrangements (levayah details) are currently being coordinated and will be announced as soon as they are finalized.
As the community mourns, many are turning to faith and mutual support to process the tragedy. “Baruch Dayan Ha’emes — Blessed is the True Judge,” one friend wrote. “May their memories be a blessing, and may their families be comforted among the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim.”
