Rimmel wakes to learn his wife, infant died in car crash

A second child remains in critical condition.

DECEMBER 16, 2019 07:13

Tzipi Rimmel and her three-week-old daughter, who died in a car accident on Route 443. (photo credit: Courtesy) — Tzipi Rimmel and her three-week-old daughter, who died in a car accident on Route 443.

(photo credit: Courtesy)

Ephraim Rimmel has reportedly woken up after undergoing a complicated back surgery following a tragic car accident earlier this month that killed his wife and newborn baby. Rimmel is in stable condition.

Hebrew media reports said Rimmel's 12-year-old son remains in critical condition.

On December 1, four members of the Rimmel family were driving near Givat Ze'ev, a neighborhood north of Jerusalem, when their car was allegedly struck by an 18-year-old driver from east Jerusalem. The driver was reportedly speeding.

Tariq Kurd is being charged with negligent manslaughter.

Rimmel's wife, Tzipi, 34, was killed in the event, as was their three-week-old daughter, Noam Rachel. The baby succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.

Three other Rimmel children were not present during the accident.

Rimmel moved to Israel from Chicago. His family lives in the Neve Tzuf neighborhood of Samaria.

A fundraising campaign on the Jgive site collected more than NIS 2 million in a few days for the family.