Long Island Sweethearts Die In Crash; Fundraiser Made For Family

FARMINGDALE, NY — A soon-to-be-engaged couple that met in Farmingdale High School years ago was killed in a crash in Washington state last Thursday.

Sam Cullen, 28, and Suzie Kedar, 27, graduated in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

A GoFundMe was set up to transport Kedar's body home. People can donate here. The fundraiser has exceeded its goal of $30K, as more than $50K has been raised for the family since Saturday.

Cullen was preparing to propose to Kedar, wrote Jami Rosario, who created the fundraiser.

Cullen, a U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class, was stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington, where he resided with Kedar, according to Rosario. Cullen was a two-time All County wrestler who was attracted to Kedar, the Farmingdale wrestling team's student manager.

"Sam and Suzie were about to be engaged and about to start the next chapter of their lives, when it was tragically cut short," Rosario wrote on the fundraiser. "With your love and blessing, you could help bring Suzie home from Washington State to Long Island so she can be buried surrounded by her loved ones. The pain of losing a child is incomprehensible, and being distanced only exacerbates the grief. During this difficult time, Suzie should be home, alongside her family, friends and those who have stood by her endlessly."

Kedar is survived by her mother, Shama Kedar, and her three sisters, Simy, Varsha (Bharat), and Shivanie (Don), Rosario said.

The Navy will ensure the respectful return of Sam to his family; parents Shari and Tim Cullen, and his siblings, Suzanne (Greg), Hayden (Paulina), Timothy (Samara), Emma, and Gabby.

"With the help of your support, Suzie can be returned home to her family," Rosario said. "It is the wishes of both families that they be memorialized in a combined service and laid to rest together."

Every donation, Rosario said, will make a difference in helping the Kedar family navigate the grief and mourning process.

"Together, let's honor the memory of Sam and Suzie by offering the support and comfort their families need during this heartbreaking time," Rosario wrote. "Thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support."

Rosario said the Kedar and Cullen families wanted to express their "heartfelt appreciation" for the outpouring of love and support.

"All the shared memories prayers sent from around the world has touched them deeply and is helping them more than you can imagine," Rosario said.