Long Island Teacher’s SUV Plunges into Backyard Pool, Prompting Ongoing Investigation

On Friday morning in Hewlett, New York, 40-year-old Allison Rahmani lost control of her 2023 GMC SUV while driving in the driveway of a residence on Elinor Road. The vehicle struck a tree, collided with an unoccupied 2006 Honda, and then became immersed in an in-ground pool. Police reported that Rahmani was able to call 911 from the vehicle before being removed by first responders. She was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead en route.

People Magazine

Rahmani was a math coordinator at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), a Modern Orthodox Jewish school in nearby Lawrence. She was married to Matthew Rahmani, president of the Irving Place Minyan Orthodox Synagogue in Woodmere, and the couple had four young children: Chloe, Jake, Nathan and Zachary. The family had planned a birthday celebration in Paris for Rahmani’s 40th birthday, which was to occur the following day.

Jewish News Syndicate

• Allison Rahmani — teacher and math coordinator at HAFTR, mother of four.

Jewish News Syndicate

• Matthew Rahmani — president of Irving Place Minyan, husband of Allison.

Jewish News Syndicate

• Shayna Ungar — fellow HAFTR teacher and close friend of Allison.

Newsday

• Jamie Scharaga — Allison’s older sister.

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• Nassau County Police Department — investigating the crash.

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• Friday (morning) – Rahmani’s SUV crashes into the pool; she calls 911 and is later pronounced dead.

Jewish News Syndicate

• Friday (later) – Nassau County Police Department issues a news release describing the crash sequence.

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• Sunday – Funeral service held at Boulevard-Riverside Chapels in Hewlett; family and community members gather to mourn.

New York Post

• Vehicle: 2023 GMC SUV.

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• Secondary vehicle struck: 2006 Honda (unoccupied).

People Magazine

• Children: four (names listed above).

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The Nassau County Police Department stated that the investigation had found no evidence of foul play and that a medical emergency “may have contributed” to the loss of vehicle control, though the exact cause of death has not been released. Irving Place Minyan announced Rahmani’s death to its congregation, noting her role as a devoted educator and mother.

Jewish News Syndicate

• “She taught because she loved it,” — Shayna Ungar

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• “I was due first, she was due three weeks after me,” — Shayna Ungar

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• “When I bought a house in the Five Towns and became a teacher, she bought a house in the Five Towns and became a teacher.” — Jamie Scharaga

Newsday

Police have not disclosed the specific medical condition that may have precipitated the crash, and the official cause of death remains undisclosed. Some reports indicate Rahmani was able to call for help, while others note she did not drown but succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident. The investigation remains open pending further medical and forensic findings.

New York Post