A 36-year-old Carmel man, a married father of two young children, died Monday, March 16, after his vehicle crashed into a tree while attempting to avoid debris from a separate fallen tree on Route 9A in Mount Pleasant, police said.
Mount Pleasant police said a 911 caller reported at 7:36 a.m. that part of a fallen tree was blocking the left lane of Route 9A southbound in the Hawthorne section. The caller told dispatchers she saw a vehicle swerve to avoid the debris, lose control and strike another tree along the right shoulder.
Officers arrived at 7:41 a.m. and located both the debris in the roadway and the crashed vehicle farther down the road. The driver, identified as Brian Appelbergh of Carmel, was found unresponsive, according to police.
First responders worked to free Appelbergh from the vehicle, removing him at about 8:05 a.m. and performing CPR at the scene. He was transported to Westchester Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Authorities said the crash remains under investigation.
Appelbergh is remembered as a devoted husband to his wife, Christine, and a loving father to their two young daughters, Sophie and Ava. His obituary describes him as a warm person who brought joy to many.
“Those who knew Brian will remember his quick wit, his hearty laugh, infectious smile and the kindness he extended to everyone around him,” it reads. “His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the knowledge he imparted and the profound love he shared with his family and friends.”
A fundraising campaign has been established on Spotfund.com to support Appelbergh’s family. As of this writing, more than $55,000 has been raised toward a $75,000 goal. The page describes him as “a devoted husband” and “a proud, loving father” whose daughters “were truly the center of his world.”
“Brian was the kind of person who showed up for others without hesitation—always ready with a helping hand, a kind word, or a smile that could brighten anyone’s day,” the fundraiser states.
Friends and colleagues have also shared tributes. Patrice Cantoned wrote that Appelbergh was “such a wonderful and talented young man to have worked with,” while Ryan Murtaugh said his “smile was infectious” and his “calming personality and positivity” made him someone he always looked forward to working with.
The fundraiser notes the money will help ease financial burdens for Appelbergh’s widow and young children as they navigate life after his sudden loss.
To donate, go to Spotfund.com, click on the “search” icon at the top of the page and enter “Donate to the Appelberghs.” That will take you directly to the appropriate page.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Cargain Funeral Homes Inc., 418 Route 6 (GPS US-6), Mahopac.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Brian’s life will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, March 23, at Grace Lutheran Church, 3830 Gomer St., Yorktown Heights.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to support Brian’s family at the Donate to the Appelberghs SpotFund page.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Cargain Funeral Home, 418 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541, 845-628-5655, cargainfuneralhomes.com.
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