Family raises money to reunite Farmingdale HS loved ones killed in Washington accident

Two Nassau families say their hearts are broken after they say high school friends were killed in a crash in Washington state.

Sam Cullen and Suzie Kedar’s families are now banding together to ensure the couple stays together forever.

“We stuck together as a unit because Sam and Suzie wanted us to be one big family,” said Shari Cullen, Sam’s mother.

Sam Cullen and Suzie Kedar were killed in an accident Thursday, Sam’s mother said.

The family tells News 12 the couple lived together on Whidbey Island, Washington, where Cullen was stationed as a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the United States Navy.

Their families say the couple were Farmingdale High School sweethearts and that they first met more than a decade ago when Sam was on the wrestling team and Suzie was the manager.

Shari Cullen said: “She had her eye on Sam, she knew what she wanted. We had to hit Sam over the head a few times to let him know this was the one for you.”

Cullen tells News 12 the longtime couple wanted to take the next step.

She said Sam sent her a picture of an engagement ring just last week, the day after his mother’s birthday.

“He just showed it to me on Tuesday, he took a picture and sent it to me, and I said, you did good, Sam,” she says.

According to the family, Sam and Suzie died in an accident two days later.

News 12 is told the Navy will ensure the return of Cullen’s body, but Kedar’s family is raising money to bring her body home.

Over $50,000 has already been raised for the family. The original goal was $30,000.

The families tell News 12 they now plan to fly Sam and Suzie’s bodies back together, have a joint memorial service and be buried together.

Shari Cullen said: “I think it gives me comfort and I hope it gives you (Kedar) comfort that they are together, which is what they wanted.”

Roshnie Kedar and Simy Kedar, Suzie’s mother and sister, say their family is heartbroken but happy the couple will be together.

Roshnie Kedar said: “She was very talented, she liked to explore, she liked to do whatever she enjoyed, she will do it.”

“Right now I can’t put her into words, she’s just a wonderful, wonderful person,” said Simy Kedar.