Woodcliff Lake, NJ – The community is reeling after the tragic loss of David Dryerman, his wife Michele Dryerman, and their 17-year-old daughter Brook Dryerman, who were killed in a devastating car accident late Saturday night. The family was involved in a fatal crash on the Garden State Parkway near Woodbridge, New Jersey.
According to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan, the incident occurred just before midnight on September 14, 2024, when David Dryerman, 54, who was driving a Tesla Model S, veered off the road. The vehicle struck a fence, hit a sign, and ultimately crashed into a concrete bridge pillar. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Brook Dryerman, a senior at Pascack Hills High School, was well-known in the community, and the news of her passing has left her peers and the school staff in shock. Pascack Hills’ Crisis Response Team has been on hand to provide immediate support to students and staff, with additional resources being provided by the Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition.
Jennifer Charnow, a spokesperson for the Hills/Valley Coalition, expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic loss. "There is absolutely no way to make any sense of this tragedy," she said. "What we must do now is come together as a community to support Max, the couple’s surviving son, and honor the Dryerman family."
A memorial service, organized by Valley Chabad, was held today, where local teenagers were invited to light candles, share prayers, and remember Brook and her parents. Associate Rabbi Yosef Orenstein, who led the service, said, "We are all hurting. The loss of Brook and her parents has deeply impacted our community."
In honor of the Dryerman family, Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos A. Rendo ordered all flags in the borough to be lowered to half-staff.
Many friends and loved ones took to Facebook to share their grief and memories of the Dryerman family:
- Cindy Deborah Roth wrote, "My heartbreaks to learn about the tragic passing of my Hebrew school friend David Dryerman, his wife, and daughter. We shared a visit not long ago in Venice, which brought back a flood of childhood memories. May their names be a blessing."
- Stacey Goryl Harty shared her sorrow, "I’m so sorry. Sending you the biggest hugs."
- Michelle Kaz expressed her shock, asking, "So very sorry about your friend and his family. Was it a car accident?"
- Lauren Lavine commented, "Horrific—I’m so sorry, Cindy."
- Wendy Tanzman Schelin added, "Horrible. So, so sorry."
The community continues to mourn the devastating loss, and support services will remain available throughout the week to assist anyone affected by this tragedy.