Shalhevet freshman Sarah Erdan, 13, killed in reckless driving accident in Brooklyn

By Malka Eisenberg

Issue of October 8, 2010 / 30 Tishrei 5771

In six short days at Shalhevet High School, freshman Sarah Erdan impressed her schoolmates with her joy of life and concern for others. Her sudden death on Sunday in the violent crash of a minivan with an unlicensed driver behind the wheel has left a gaping hole in the hearts and minds of her fellow students at this close-knit school.

After learning of the fatal crash the school administration and faculty focused on “memorializing Sarah in an appropriate way and shepherding the girls through the tragedy,” said Mrs. Esther Eisenman, the principal.

Zahava Farbman, a Chai Lifeline grief counselor and social worker, and Dr. Lisa Korman, a psychologist, met with the students.

“She treated everyone like her younger sister,” sophomore Perry Danese said of Sarah Erdan, her friend since the eighth grade. “She never judged anyone and was the most giving and generous person.  She took care of everyone.”

“We loved her very much,” said freshman Rachel Montaine through tears. “And even in the little amount of time we knew her it feels as if we have known her for years. She put her friends before herself, it made her special.”

On Sunday, October 3, 13 year-old Sarah and her 16 year-old brother Yosif were passengers in a 2001 Honda minivan driven by 16 year old Eric Hakimisefat, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.  Hakimisefat held a class DJ license, allowing him to only drive a dual control vehicle in New York City and only in the presence of a licensed driver over age 21.  A police investigator said that the car was traveling southbound on East 23rd street and struck a tree and a one family house at 1620 East 23rd Street in Brooklyn at about 1:40 pm.  EMS transported the three occupants of the vehicle to Kings County Hospital.  Eric and Yosif were listed in stable condition.  Sarah was pronounced dead at 5:09 pm and, according to the criminal complaint, “the proximate cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head sustained in an automobile accident.”

Hakimisefat was arrested and charged as an adult with criminally negligent homicide, excessive speed, reckless driving and as an unlicensed operator.  A spokesperson from the district attorney’s office said that bail was set at $10,000 bond and the case is being presented to a grand jury.

Sarah’s funeral the following day at Shomrei Hadas in Boro Park was attended hundreds of mourners including the Shalhevet student body and staff. The crowd filled all the seats and stood in the aisles.

Rabbi Zev Friedman, dean of Shalhevet, noted that Erdan’s mother said that at the time of the accident Sarah was coming home from a surprise party she made for a friend.  “It’s a tragic loss,” pointed out Rabbi Friedman.  “Everybody is shocked and shaken by the news.  She was an outstanding young lady with tremendous potential.  She truly was a Bat Yisrael.  She was extremely friendly and liked by all.  She was caring, sensitive, a perfect fit for Shalhevet.”  He explained that she sought a Torah education, wanted to participate in the extracurricular activities at school and wanted to go to college and have a career.

Shalhevet junior Gavriella Pearl tearfully recalled seeing Sarah in the hallways of Prospect Park Yeshiva elementary school, always “happy, lively, bouncing around.”  Pearl would visit her this past year on Shabbat and last saw her on the Shabbat after Rosh Hashana where, as usual, the family was “very welcoming and the table was overflowing with people.”  Pearl noted that Sarah had a close relationship with her family.  “It’s really sad that a lot of people in school didn’t get to know her,” she said.

Students commented on Sarah’s artistic abilities and her interest in joining the school’s basketball team.

Mrs. Eisenman pointed out the students’ intense focus on davening and urged the students to visit the family during shiva and write letters to the family.  The administrators are also discussing ways of commemorating Sarah’s memory with suggestions for a fund or dedicating a library in her memory.  Parents were calling and asking to help and teachers were available to the students both in and out of school, said Eisenman.

“It’s important for the girls to take control to help channel their grief,” emphasized Eisenman.  Two of Sarah’s classmates spoke of their coping efforts.  “I have a journal,” said Chani Yakubov.  “I will write to her every night and tell her what I did.”  Said Rachel Montaine,  “When I do something, I will think if she would approve of it.”

“It’s difficult,” said Perry Danese.  “We were very close.  It’s hard to know that she’s not here anymore.”