Heartbreak in Monsey: Father of Three Killed by Falling Tree While Driving to Kollel

The Monsey community has been struck by a profound tragedy following the sudden death of Yisroel Meir Freeman, z”l, a 29-year-old father of three, after a large tree unexpectedly crashed onto his moving vehicle early Sunday morning. The young man was reportedly on his way to his daily religious studies at kollel when the fatal accident occurred.

Yisroel Meir, z”l, was originally from Boro Park and was the son of Reb Yaakov Freeman, yb"l (ES-53), a dedicated, long-time volunteer with the East Side Hatzolah emergency medical service.

Scene of the Accident

The horrific incident took place on South Pascack Road in Chestnut Ridge, near the 445 address. Authorities report that the massive tree abruptly toppled, striking the yungerman's car and causing him to immediately lose control and crash into a devastating wreckage.

First responders who arrived at the scene found him unconscious and critically injured, pinned inside the damaged vehicle. An extensive emergency response team was quickly mobilized, including Ramapo Police, the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Chaverim of Rockland, and Rockland Hatzoloh. These groups worked together to stabilize the area and carefully extricate the victim.

Heroic but Unsuccessful Efforts

Rockland Hatzoloh Paramedics immediately initiated advanced life support measures and swiftly transported the critically injured man to Westchester Medical Center. There, he was rushed into emergency surgery as trauma surgeons and hospital staff launched an intensive effort to save his life.

Despite the heroic and tireless interventions by the entire medical team, Yisroel Meir Freeman, z”l, tragically succumbed to his severe injuries.

The news has sent waves of grief through the closely knit Jewish community in Monsey and Boro Park, mourning the loss of a young father and son of a respected emergency responder. Details regarding the funeral (Levaya) will be published as they become available.