Much-Loved Rabbi Killed In Tragic Car Accident

A rabbi lost his life in a tragic incident that happened on a recent Monday afternoon. The 72-year-old man was driving in Staten Island at approximately 4 p.m. when his car had a flat tire. He pulled his 2017 Ford off to the side of the road, but while he was stationary in the car, a 43-year-old woman driving a 2005 Honda struck his vehicle from behind.

At the time of the collision, the man was pulled off on the right shoulder of Westshore Expressway, not far from Wild Ave. The woman collided with the back of the rabbi’s vehicle, sending it across two lanes of traffic and into the center median.

First responders quickly arrived at the scene of the crash and rushed the man to a nearby hospital. Tragically, doctors were unable to save him and they later pronounced him dead at the medical facility.

The much-loved rabbi is from a Los Angeles congregation, where — after news of his death — people from his temple celebrated his memory. In a post from Twitter, it was stated that the rabbi was “known throughout the world.”

The driver of the Honda who struck the rabbi was fortunate to survive the collision. She was rushed to Richmond County Medical Center for medical treatment and later discharged with non-fatal injuries. At this time, she has not been charged relating to the crash, but as police investigations continue, it’s possible that charges could be forthcoming.

Following any kind of fatal New York auto collision, surviving close family members may want to investigate the nature of what happened to determine if sufficient evidence exists to support a wrongful death action. Before pursuing such a claim, however, it’s important that family members fully understand all of their legal rights and options.

Source: New York Daily News, “Notable Los Angeles rabbi fatally struck by car after getting flat tire on Staten Island highway,” Rocco Parascandola and Nancy Dillon, Feb. 05, 2018