In a devastating accident on Saturday night, a New Jersey family of three lost their lives following a tragic car crash on the Garden State Parkway. The collision, which took place in Woodbridge Township, involved the Dryerman family—David, Michele, and their teenage daughter Brooke. The crash resulted in a fiery wreck that claimed the lives of all three, leaving a once-vibrant family shattered and a community in mourning.
The incident occurred just before midnight when the Dryermans’ Tesla ran off the northbound side of the parkway, according to the New Jersey State Police. David Dryerman, 54, was behind the wheel at the time, with his wife Michele, also 54, and their 17-year-old daughter, Brooke, as passengers. The Tesla struck a sign, a guardrail, and then collided with a concrete bridge support, causing the vehicle to erupt in flames. Tragically, none of the family members survived the impact. Brooke’s brother, Max, who was away at college at the time, was the only immediate family member not present during the accident, adding another layer of sorrow to the already harrowing situation.
State police officers were dispatched to the scene in Woodbridge Township after receiving reports of a serious accident involving multiple fatalities. The area where the crash occurred is known for being a heavily trafficked section of the Garden State Parkway, particularly at night. However, it is still unclear what specifically caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether there were any mechanical failures or if external factors such as weather or road conditions contributed to the tragic accident.
Eyewitness reports are currently being collected by the police to piece together the moments leading up to the crash. While some witnesses reported seeing the car driving at high speed moments before the impact, authorities have not yet confirmed whether excessive speed played a role. Investigators are also reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras, hoping it may provide additional insights into what might have caused the accident.
Tesla, the brand of the vehicle involved, has made headlines both for its groundbreaking technology and concerns over safety. Although the model involved in the crash has not been publicly confirmed, Tesla vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, including Autopilot—a semi-automated driving system designed to assist drivers in maintaining lane position and avoiding collisions. However, Autopilot is not a fully autonomous system, and the company has faced scrutiny for accidents where drivers may have over-relied on the technology.
While there is no current indication that Tesla’s Autopilot system was in use at the time of the crash, investigators will likely consider all aspects, including whether any system malfunction or driver error may have contributed to the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) may become involved in the investigation if any systemic issues are identified.
The Dryerman family was well-known in their Woodcliff Lake community, where they had lived for many years. Both David and Michele were described by friends and neighbors as kind-hearted individuals who were deeply involved in local activities. Brooke, a high school senior, was a standout student and athlete who had a bright future ahead of her. The news of their sudden deaths has rocked the town, with many expressing their shock and grief on social media. A vigil is being planned at Brooke’s high school, where classmates, teachers, and friends will come together to remember her and offer support to the family.
Brooke’s older brother, Max, who was away attending college when the accident happened, is now left to face this unimaginable loss. As the sole surviving member of the immediate family, he is being surrounded by extended family and close friends during this incredibly difficult time.
This tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers present on the roadways, even for experienced drivers. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, accidents on the Garden State Parkway are not uncommon, given the high volume of traffic that flows through the area on a daily basis. The Garden State Parkway is one of the busiest highways in New Jersey, and while the state has made efforts to improve safety, accidents like this one underscore the need for ongoing attention to road conditions, driver safety, and vehicle maintenance.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving, speeding, and driver fatigue are some of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the United States. In this case, investigators have yet to determine whether any of these factors were involved, but they will continue to scrutinize all possibilities as they work to provide answers to the grieving community.
The loss of the Dryerman family is an indescribable tragedy, leaving behind a heartbroken son, a grieving community, and many unanswered questions. As investigators continue to piece together the details surrounding the crash, the community will mourn the loss of three lives taken far too soon. This heartbreaking accident is a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of life on the road.
In times of such deep sorrow, it is crucial that we reflect on the value of life and extend our support to those who are enduring unimaginable pain, such as Max Dryerman and the rest of the grieving family.