WOODCLIFF LAKE—A devastating car crash in Woodbridge has claimed the lives of three members of a Woodcliff Lake family. David Dryerman, 54, his wife, Michele Dryerman, 54, and their 17-year-old daughter, Brooke, died late Saturday night when their vehicle ran off the road and collided with multiple structures, New Jersey State Police reported.
The incident occurred just before midnight at milepost 131.1 on the Garden State Parkway. Sgt. Charles Marchan of the New Jersey State Police said David Dryerman was driving a Tesla Model S northbound when the vehicle veered off the road to the left, struck a sign, hit a guardrail, and then crashed into a concrete bridge support. All three occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene.
Woodcliff Lake Mayor Carlos A. Rendo offered his condolences on Facebook: “I just received word of this terrible tragedy. I have ordered that our flags be lowered. I am in shock. Please keep the family in your prayers.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Community Mourns an Unimaginable Loss
The Dryerman family was deeply rooted in the community, and their sudden loss has left a profound impact. Jennifer Charnow of Hills Valley Coalition, and WCL PFA Parent Academy Coordinator, expressed the community’s collective grief:
“Today our community experienced a collective unimaginable loss. David, Michele, and Brooke Dryerman were known to anyone who met them as authentically kind, empathetic, and giving human beings. They were always there to lend a hand and support a friend. There is absolutely no way to make any sense of this tragedy. What I do know is that we must honor them in the best way we can, as individuals and as a community, by coming together to support Max, each other, and our children. To that end, I am sharing the resources that are in place (as of this moment) for our children and our families.”
Yosef Orenstein of Valley Chabad also expressed his heartbreak over the loss and invited community members to join in remembrance:
“We are all shocked and in such pain today. The loss of parents and their daughter, a dear friend to many of our teens. We will be gathering with the teens to light a candle, pray, share memories, and do a mitzvah in memory of Brooke and her beloved parents. Whether you know the family or not, we are all hurting. If your teens feel up to it, please have them join us today, at 6 p.m. for about 20 minutes.”
Support for Grieving Students and Families
Pascack Hills High School, where Brooke was a student, is providing immediate and ongoing support for students and families affected by this tragedy. Counselors from the school’s Crisis Response Team will be available today, Sunday, Sept. 15, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the PHHS Media Center to speak with students who need assistance.
Further support will be available beginning Monday morning, with counselors from both the District Crisis Response Team and the Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition on-site at Pascack Hills High School. “Supports will continue to be available all week as we process this tragedy,” Charnow said. “Please note that children may be at greater risk due to exposure to the death of a peer. If you feel your child is in need of additional assistance beyond the times noted above, please contact one of these resources.”
Additional Resources Available for Those in Need
For those seeking support outside of school resources, the following services are available:
- 2ndFloor Youth Helpline: A confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey’s youth and young adults. Call or text 888-222-2228.
- Children’s Mobile Crisis Helpline: Through PerformCare, this service provides face-to-face crisis support within an hour of notification. Call 877-652-7624.
- Emergency Services: In urgent situations, call 911 or take your child to the nearest crisis center or emergency department.
Gatherings and Memorial Events to Honor the Dryermans
The community is coming together to remember and honor the Dryerman family through various gatherings and memorial events:
- Temple Emanuel: Rabbi Monosov will be available at the Temple today from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to provide support to those in need.
- Valley Chabad: A gathering led by Yosef Orenstein and Estie Bryski-Orenstein will be held at 6 p.m. tonight at Valley Chabad, 530 Chestnut Ridge Road, Woodcliff Lake, in the back of the building. The event will include candle lighting, prayers, sharing memories, and performing a mitzvah in memory of Brooke and her parents.
- Run 4 Their Lives Walk: A memorial walk will take place at 3 p.m. at the Woodcliff Lake Train Station. This event will allow the community to come together to mourn the loss of the Dryerman family and support one another during this difficult time.