Crime & Safety
Nearby: Hundreds Mourn Boy Who Died in Boating Accident
10-year-old Cedarhurst boy died from his injuries after his leg became caught in a boat's propeller blade.
Written by Stephen Bronner
Aaron Tepfer, a 10-year-old of Cedarhurst, died early Saturday after his leg got stuck in a boat propeller the day before.
A funeral service was held Sunday at Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, where Aaron was supposed to enter sixth grade on Monday.
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Moshe Benoliel, a school spokesman, described Aaron as a “personable” boy who enjoyed piano and always looked out for other kids, Newsday reported.
Aaron was tubing in the waters off Cedarhurst Yacht Club in Reynold's Channel on Friday when he fell into the water around 2:20 p.m, according to police. A friend’s father, who was operating the boat, stopped, and Aaron swam toward the vessel. As he tried to club aboard, his left leg was caught in the propeller and he went underwater.
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The boat’s operator held Aaron’s life vest to keep his head above water until local emergency medical personnel arrived. He was brought to St. John’s Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition. Aaron was then transferred to Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, where he succumbed to his injuries at 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 24.
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