In the quiet early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025, a devastating crash on the New York State Thruway in Rockland County claimed one life and left another hanging in critical condition. The incident unfolded around 12:39 a.m. near mile marker 21.7 in Bardonia, sending shockwaves through the local community and causing major disruptions to morning traffic.

**The Collision
According to New York State Police, the crash involved two vehicles: a disabled 2009 Nissan Sentra and a 2014 Ford sedan. The Nissan had come to a stop partially in the right lane and shoulder of the northbound I-87. As the Ford approached, it rear-ended the stationary Nissan with force, triggering a violent chain reaction.

The impact sent both vehicles spinning across all lanes of the highway before slamming into the median on the left shoulder. The scene was chaotic, with debris scattered and emergency responders rushing to assess the damage.

️ **Lives Changed in an Instant
The driver of the Nissan, 47-year-old Steven Redner of Tallman, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Redner, a local resident, leaves behind grieving family and friends who are now grappling with the sudden loss.

The driver of the Ford, a 25-year-old man from Elmsford, was found in critical condition. Nanuet EMS administered life-saving treatment on-site before transporting him to Westchester Medical Center, where he remains under intensive care.

**Emergency Response and Road Closure
The crash prompted a swift response from State Police, the Nanuet Fire Department, and Nanuet EMS. Northbound lanes of the Thruway between Exit 12 in West Nyack and Exit 13 near the Palisades Parkway were shut down from approximately 1 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., causing significant delays for commuters.

By mid-morning, authorities had cleared the wreckage and reopened the highway, but the investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Police are working to determine the circumstances that led to the Nissan being disabled on the roadway and whether any additional factors contributed to the collision.

️ **Ongoing Investigation
As investigators comb through evidence and eyewitness accounts, questions linger: Was the Nissan properly marked or visible to oncoming traffic? Was speed or distraction a factor for the Ford driver? These answers may take time, but they are crucial for understanding how such a tragedy occurred—and how it might be prevented in the future.

**A Community in Mourning
Steven Redner’s death has left a void in Tallman, where he was known as a kind and hardworking individual. Tributes are beginning to pour in, and local leaders are urging drivers to remain vigilant and cautious, especially during nighttime travel.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change on the road. As Rockland County mourns, the hope is that lessons learned from this crash will lead to safer highways and more lives protected.