An evening bike ride on Ravenna Drive in Pomona turned into a heartbreaking tragedy Tuesday, when 8-year-old Shaindel Herzberg was struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle and later died at a local hospital. First responders rushed to the scene, performed resuscitation efforts and transported her for emergency care, but she did not survive. The loss has stunned the close-knit Rockland County neighborhood, and the Town of Ramapo Police Department is now leading the investigation into the crash.
Her name and initial details of the collision were first reported by VINnews, which said members of Hatzoloh, Spring Hill EMS and Rockland Paramedics "performed extensive lifesaving measures" before Shaindel was taken to the hospital. The outlet also noted that she was the granddaughter of Sandy Eller, a longtime freelance writer for VINnews. As of Tuesday night, officials had not released additional information about the vehicle involved, the driver or any potential charges.
On X, State Senator Bill Weber publicly offered condolences to the Herzberg family and the wider Pomona community, writing that his "heart goes out" to them and asking that they "be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem." His post echoed the shock and grief voiced by elected officials and congregational leaders throughout Rockland County.
My heart goes out to the family of 8-year-old Shaindel Herzberg and the entire Pomona community following this heartbreaking tragedy. May the Herzberg family know no further sorrow and be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
— Bill Weber (@NYSenatorWeber) June 3, 2026
Investigation and reaction
The Town of Ramapo Police Department is handling the investigation, and at this stage officials have not released details about the vehicle, the driver or any resulting charges. For contact numbers and a tips line, the department lists non-emergency phone numbers and a tips hotline on the official Town of Ramapo Police Department page. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief across the Rockland County Jewish community, VINnews reported.
How residents can help
Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have video from the area, to contact the Ramapo Police Department's non-emergency number or submit tips through the town's listed channels. If you have immediate information, call 911, and for non-emergencies use the department's listed numbers. Officials said they will release more details as the investigation progresses.
Community members have begun organizing prayers and local vigils, and the family is expected to seek privacy as they grieve. Residents and reporters are encouraged to check official channels before sharing any unconfirmed details. This story will be updated as Ramapo police or other authorities publish additional information.
