In Loving Memory of Yaakov Kilberg, Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, and Chaim Grossman Forever in our hearts Taken far too soon
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic loss of Yaakov Kilberg, Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, and Chaim Grossman, four young men whose lives were heartbreakingly cut short in a devastating crash on the New Jersey Turnpike in Salem County early Sunday morning, October 19, 2025.
According to state police, the accident occurred at approximately 12:42 a.m. near milepost 1.3 in Carneys Point Township, when a 41-year-old Colorado man driving a Dodge pickup north in the southbound lanes collided head-on with a Mazda SUV driven by 19-year-old Yaakov Kilberg of Lakewood, New Jersey. Inside the Mazda were three passengers — 18-year-old Aharon Lebovits, 18-year-old Shlomo Cohen, both also from Lakewood, and 18-year-old Chaim Grossman of Fallsburg, New York. Moments after the initial collision, the Mazda was struck by a Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling behind it, compounding the devastation.
All four young men lost their lives in the horrific crash, leaving behind shattered families, grieving friends, and communities in unimaginable pain.
These were young men of faith, promise, and purpose — beloved sons, friends, and students whose lives embodied kindness, devotion, and brotherhood. Each one brought his own light into the world, a light that touched others in quiet yet profound ways.
Yaakov Kilberg, just 19, was described by loved ones as a gentle and thoughtful soul — mature beyond his years, always ready to lend a hand or share a kind word. His humility and sincerity left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Aharon Lebovits, 18, had an infectious energy and a heart full of generosity. He was the type of friend who would stand by you through anything, known for his loyalty, compassion, and sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest day.
Shlomo Cohen, also 18, carried himself with calmness and quiet strength. His faith and dedication guided his every step, and his peaceful nature drew others toward him. He lived with purpose and sincerity, touching many lives in his short time on earth.
Chaim Grossman, 18, of Fallsburg, New York, will be remembered for his joyous spirit and his love of learning. His optimism, warmth, and natural kindness made him deeply loved by friends and admired by teachers and mentors alike.
Their loss has left an unfillable void within the communities of Lakewood, New Jersey, and Fallsburg, New York, where friends, families, and classmates have gathered to grieve, pray, and support one another in the wake of this tragedy. Vigils and memorial services are being planned to honor their memories, celebrate their lives, and bring comfort to those left behind.
The crash serves as a devastating reminder of how fragile life can be — how, in an instant, the world can be forever changed. Yet even in the midst of heartbreak, the memory of Yaakov, Aharon, Shlomo, and Chaim continues to shine brightly. They were young men of goodness, love, and faith — qualities that will live on in every heart they touched.
May their families find strength and peace in knowing that their sons were deeply loved and will never be forgotten. And may their souls be bound in eternal rest, forever embraced by the light of heaven.
🕯️ May their memory be a blessing. Forever loved, forever remembered — Yaakov Kilberg, Aharon Lebovits, Shlomo Cohen, and Chaim Grossman.
