The tragic accident on Garden State Parkway that claimed the lives of Raizy and Eli Neydavoud has left the community of Lakewood in mourning. The young couple, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child, met their untimely demise on the evening of January 15, 2024.
Eliyahu Neydavoud, 29, and his nine-month-pregnant wife, Raizy Rothenberg, 30, were en route to a wedding when their Toyota SUV collided with a snowplow on the icy highway.
The Lakewood Scoop reported that the incident took place as they were traveling from Lakewood to Passaic, and the collision occurred near the emergency vehicle U-turn area close to milepost 104.2 in Tinton Falls.
The couple’s vehicle lost control and struck the side of the snowplow truck, resulting in fatal injuries. The snowplow driver’s condition remains undisclosed, as authorities cited an ongoing investigation and declined to provide additional information.
The timing of the accident was exacerbated by a winter storm that swept through the tri-state area, depositing 3 to 4 inches of snow.
Forecasters had warned of the possibility of sleet and freezing rain mixing with the snow, creating hazardous road conditions. The extent to which weather played a role in the tragic collision remains uncertain.
#snow bands affecting the Tri-State area. 2:50AM, Taylor Mill, KY @NWSILN #kywx #wxtwitter pic.twitter.com/P8vPVEpBFF
— 4j25 (@4j25_) January 14, 2024
Eli Neydavoud, a Los Angeles native, served as a rabbi at Ohel Torah in Lakewood and worked as a teacher at a local school. The Lakewood Scoop highlighted the couple’s recent marriage and the impending arrival of their first child, adding to the profound grief felt by the community.
Menashe Miller, deputy mayor of Lakewood, shared that the couple’s funeral initially planned at a funeral home, had to be moved to the Lakewood High School gym due to the overwhelming number of people who came to pay their respects.
Despite inclement weather, the community rallied together to bid farewell to the beloved couple. Eli is survived by his parents, Yehuda NeyDavoud and Ayelet NeyDavoud, along with siblings Rivka, Yosef Chaim, Aviel, Mrs. Devorah Mizrachi, and Mrs.
Yael Moeinzadeh. Raizy is survived by her parents, Mrs. Esti Eidelman and R’ Yossi Rothenberg, and siblings Slavi Goldberger, R’ Yitzchok Rothenberg, R’ Nochum Rothenberg, R’ Kuppy Rothenberg, R’ Pinchos Rothenberg, Mrs. Zisy Tyberg, Mrs. Chana Adel Berkowitz, and R’ Shneur Rothenberg.
The tragic accident that claimed the lives of Raizy and Eli Neydavoud serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of life. The community of Lakewood mourns the loss of two individuals who were not only well-liked but also on the brink of embracing the joys of parenthood.
The circumstances surrounding the crash, combined with the winter storm, underscore the fragility of human existence and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the community gathers to remember the vibrant lives of Raizy and Eli Neydavoud, reflecting on the impact they had on those around them and the legacy they leave behind. In the face of this profound tragedy, the outpouring of support from the community emphasizes the strength of unity and solidarity during times of sorrow.
