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Retired Haverstraw Police Officer, American Strongman Commits Suicide

UPDATED STORY:

Gerard Benderoth

Gerard Benderoth

Photo Credit: FACEBOOK photo
Police have shut down Rosman Road, at the intersection of Langschur Court in Haverstraw as they investigate a reported suicide.

Police have shut down Rosman Road, at the intersection of Langschur Court in Haverstraw as they investigate a reported suicide.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. -- A popular strongman competitor and former Haverstraw and NYPD police officer shot and killed himself after a traffic stop Wednesday morning, a close friend confirmed.

It wasn't immediately clear why FBI agents pulled over the Chevy Suburban driven by Gerard Benderoth, 48, at the corner of Rosman Road and Langschur Court at 8:20 a.m.

Law enforcement sources cited his close friendship with Nicholas Tartaglione, a former Briarcliff Manor police officer and fellow weight lifter accused last year in a quadruple drug murder.

"Everyone is shocked. He was a great guy," a longtime friend told Daily Voice. "Hugely popular in town."

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A GoFundMe account has been established for the Benderoth family. CLICK HERE....

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Word spread quickly through town and through the pro strength community (see post below).

Benderoth spent a decade with the NYPD and was among the responders to the 9/11 attacks. He remained at Ground Zero for three straight days recovering bodies.

Nicknamed "The White Rhino," the 370-pound Benderoth finished among the leaders in the America's Strongest Man competition three years in a row, from 2006-2008.

After moving to the Haverstraw police department, he retired last year. He and his family lived in Stony Point.

A string of tributes flowed on Facebook as news spread Wednesday, including this one from Matt Hand:

Dear Strength Sports Athletes,

"Please acknowledge that we have lost a legend in the strength world. Gerard Benderoth was a real life super hero. One of the strongest people ever to walk this earth regardless of sport. More importantly please acknowledge that Gerard was a real life hero. A police officer for the finest force in the world, the NYPD.

"He was an example of the finest qualities of this country, and one of the true heroes at ground zero in the nation's darkest hour of 9/11. I was so proud to brag about this guy as my friend.

"What a great man, please keep his family in your thoughts in this time of grief.

"Goodbye my friend, I will be lucky to be half the man you were in all aspects of your life. #RealLifeSuperHero #nypd"

ORIGINAL STORY:

ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. -- State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have shut down Rosman Road, at the intersection of Langschur Court in Haverstraw as they investigate a violent suicide that occurred on Wednesday morning.

According to police, at approximately 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, a male subject was stopped by law enforcement personnel on Rosman Road for an undisclosed reason. As the officers approached the subject, police said the man took his own life, utilizing a firearm that was in the vehicle.

Rosman Road remains closed as forensics teams continue their investigation at the scene. State police troopers are being assisted by members of the Rockland County Medical Examiner’s Office. The identity of the man is being withheld, pending notification of his next of kin.

This story is developing. Keep following Daily Voice for updates and for real-time news updates in your Facebook feed, be sure to "Like" Daily Voice's Rockland Community Forum Facebook page by clicking here.

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