Monsey, NY – State police are searching for the body of an Orthodox Jewish former councilman for the Town of Ramapo who is presumed dead after reportedly jumping off the Bear Mountain Bridge in the early morning hours.

A car registered to Daniel Friedman was found at the entrance to the bridge.

Brian Hoff, a senior investigator with the New York State Police, told The Journal News that bridge surveillance video shows a man jumping off the center of the 360 foot high span. Divers and boats have been searching the area since approximately 4 to 6 AM this morning and Hoff said that police will be using sonar to look for Friedman’s body.

The 30 year old Spring Valley resident was unmarried and became involved in politics at age 15 when he served as an intern with the State Assembly.

Friedman served on the Ramapo Town Board for five years and later ran a failed bid to become mayor of Spring Valley, losing out to Noramie Jasmine who is now serving a prison term after being convicted on bribery charges.

Friedman also served as an adjunct professor at Rockland Community College, where he taught political science for several years.