A devastating tragedy struck late Thursday night when R’ Eliyahu Fink Z”L, a 43-year-old father of three from Monsey, was fatally struck on the Garden State Parkway.
R’ Eliyahu, the son of Rabbi Aharon Fink, a respected mohel and the founder of Ateres Bais Yaakov, was known for his warmth, dedication, and commitment to his community. Rabbi Aharon, who established the institution 25 years ago, is now left to mourn the loss of his beloved son.
According to New Jersey State Police, the fatal incident occurred just before 1 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, along the northbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway near milepost 146.5 in Essex County. Upon arriving at the scene, troopers found R’ Eliyahu lying in the roadway, gravely injured and unresponsive. Despite swift emergency response efforts, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident followed a minor accident in which R’ Eliyahu was involved earlier. Sources report that after a fender bender, he exited his vehicle when he was struck by at least two oncoming vehicles. Both drivers remained at the scene and are cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
State police are still piecing together the exact circumstances of the tragic event. The northbound lanes of the Parkway were temporarily shut down for several hours while investigators worked through the night. The roadway has since been reopened, but the loss of R’ Eliyahu has left the community in shock and mourning.
The levaya (funeral) for R’ Eliyahu will take place on Sunday in Monsey. The community is rallying around his family during this difficult time, and further details will be provided as they become available.
R’ Eliyahu’s passing is a heartbreaking loss to his family, his friends, and the broader Monsey community, where he was deeply loved and respected.