Community in Mourning
Tragic Loss in the Five Towns: Beloved Resident Sol Zaltz Killed in Head-On Collision
The Five Towns community is in deep mourning following a horrific head-on collision early Monday morning that claimed the life of 77-year-old Cedarhurst resident Israel (Sol) Zaltz.
A heavy cloud of sadness has settled over the Five Towns community following the tragic news of the passing of Israel (Sol) Zaltz, a 77-year-old resident of Cedarhurst. Mr. Zaltz was killed in a devastating car accident early Monday morning, leaving family, friends, and neighbors in a state of profound grief. The accident occurred at a busy intersection in Hewlett, turning a typical morning into a scene of absolute heartbreak.
According to reports from the scene, the fatal incident took place at the intersection of West Broadway and Barr Avenue. Mr. Zaltz was driving when another vehicle slammed head-on into his car with immense force. The impact left him critically injured and trapped. Rockaway, Lawrence Hatzolah units were dispatched immediately, and paramedics worked with desperate urgency to stabilize him and save his life at the scene. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, despite the heroic efforts of the medical teams, he was pronounced niftar shortly after arrival.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Achiezer Chesed Shel Emes team, led by Boruch Ber Bender, acted swiftly to ensure the highest level of kavod hameis. Volunteers were sent to both the accident site and the hospital to oversee all necessary religious protocols and provide support during this dark time. Their presence highlighted the community's commitment to dignity even in the face of sudden disaster.
Preliminary information suggests that the driver of the other vehicle involved was an 18-year-old male. Sources indicate that the young driver may have been taken into custody by police following the collision as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are currently looking into the circumstances that led to the head-on crash to determine if speed or other factors played a role. The levayah for Mr. Zaltz is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. at Boulevard Chapels, where the community will gather to pay their final respects to a man described as a pillar of his neighborhood.