Monsey EMTs Die In Post Rosh Hashana Thruway Crash

SUFFERN, NY — (VINnews/Sandy Eller) – Two Monsey-area EMTs were killed early this morning in a fiery rollover crash on the New York State Thruway that took place just moments away from both of their homes.

The New York State Police reported that 27 year old Moshe Herzog was driving southbound at approximately 1:45 AM in a Chevrolet Tahoe and shifting from the center to the right lane near the Airmont Road exit that leads to Monsey when he struck a 2007 Peterbilt tractor trailer. Both vehicles went off the roadway and landed in a ditch, with the Tahoe bursting into flames.

Chaverim coordinator Yossi Margaretten said that Herzog, one of his members, radioed for help.

“He started screaming I’m involved in a rollover, please help me, help me,” Margaretten told VIN News.

Both Chaverim and Rockland Hatzolah responded to the scene, along with the NYSP. Also responding was the William Paul Faist Ambulance Corps in Chestnut Ridge, whose members include both Herzog and his passenger, 26 year old David Z. Schneebalg.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. 59 year old Luis Velazquez, the driver of the tractor trailer, had to be extricated from his vehicle and was transported to Westchester Medical Center with unknown injuries.

Herzog and Schneebalg were also members of the Haverstraw Ambulance Corps whose Facebook page had a tribute to the two men, along with their pictures. Comments on the post crossed community lines with Jean Ecroyd writing “May their souls RIP. They were both good men.” and Jamie Libertelli writing “So very sorry to hear this news, both gave of themselves selflessly, May they Rest In Peace, condolences to the families.”

Schneebalg had been a member of the Haverstraw Ambulance Corps since 2014, while Herzog joined two years later. Captain Teresa A. Hamilton said that both were extremely dedicated to proud to serve in both Haverstraw and Chestnut Ridge.

“Their commitment, knowledge and friendship will be sorely missed,” said Hamilton.

Margaretten said that it seemed likely that Herzog was getting ready to exit the Thruway and likely missed the tractor trailed in his blind spot. He recalled how Herzog drove him hundreds of miles during the 2019 search for Rabbi Reuven Bauman in the waters off Virginia Beach.

“Moshe was someone who always said ‘yes’ to help someone else,” said Margaretten. “He was such a nice guy. This is going to be a big loss for us.”

Herzog’s funeral will be taking place at 12:30 this afternoon at the Monsey Cemetery on Brick Church Road. Funeral arrangements for Schneebalg have yet to be announced.