Ten Year Old Aaron Tepfer killed in boating accident

A ten year old boy whose leg came in contact with a boat’s propeller while swimming in the waters of Reynolds Channel in Lawrence lost his fight for life over Shabbos. Aaron Tepfer, the son of Tully and Rochel Tepfer, was swimming in the waters off Cedarhurst Yacht Club, three miles from his Cedarhurst home, when the incident occurred at approximately 2:20 PM on Friday afternoon.

 According to reports on Newsday, Tepfer had gone tubing with four friends. The tubes were being towed by the boat, a 27 foot Sea Ray Sundeck, when Tepfer fell into the water. The boy swam toward the boat, which was stopped in the water, but his leg came into contact with the propeller as he attempted to re-board the boat. After being informed of the accident by his own son, the boat’s operator kept Tepfer’s head above water, by grabbing onto his life jacket, keeping the boy from being dragged under water until help arrived.

 ABC News is reporting that five different agencies were involved in the rescue attempt, including paramedics on boats and jet skis, who worked together to extricate Tepfer’s leg from the propeller. Tepfer, who suffered serious blood loss, was stabilized at the scene and was transported to the foot of the Atlantic Beach Bridge, before being rushed to Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park. Despite earlier optimistic reports in the local media, Tepfer, who was about to enter sixth grade, passed away on Shabbos

. The levaya will take place at 10 AM this morning at Yeshiva Darchei Torah where Aaron was a student and his mother is a 5th grade teacher.
We regret to inform you of the petira of our talmid Aron Sholom Tepfer A"H. The levaya will be held, Sunday, at 10 am in the Diamond Bais Medrash, 257 Beach 17 Street .

 Shiva will be in the Tepfer home, 376 Rugby Road, Cedarhurst, NY. Shacharis 7:30 am Mincha/Maariv 7:20pm The family requests that no visitors come after 10pm.

 Mrs. Zahava Farbman, LMSW, Associate Director of Chai Lifeline's Crisis Intervention, Trauma and Bereavement Department will present to parents on helping our children cope with this tragedy. It is open to all parents who would like to come, at 9:00 pm in the Diamond Bais Medrash. Israel call in number +972(0)76-599-0060 US call in number +1 424-203-8405 177249# Participant Access Code — at Yeshiva Darchei Torah.