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DETECTIVE LT. FRANK RAMACI WRITES: It is with tremendous sorrow, I must notify you of an unimaginable tragedy that occurred at our elementary school last night.
On Wednesday evening, at approximately 6:30 p.m., an indoor soccer practice was commencing at the Berkley Street Elementary school in New Milford. At the time, several parents and children had just entered the gymnasium.
According to witness statements, 7 year old Brenden Jordan (a New Milford resident and student of Gibbs Elementary school on the North end of town) was playing with a soccer ball and then approached a fold down lunch table and fold down lunch benches which are recessed into the gym wall. It is unknown whether the child began touching the apparatus at that time.
One of the benches, constructed of wood and steel, and weighing approximately 108 lbs., fell out from the wall and struck the child in the side of his head, causing him to immediately collapse.
Off-duty New Milford police officer Bryan Mone, who was coaching the team, immediately rendered aid after instructing parents to call 911. Mone performed CPR and was then assisted by responding N.M.P.D. officers and emergency services personnel.
The child was transported to Hackensack Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30 p.m.
A team of New Milford police officers and detectives, as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s [Office] crime scene investigation unit performed a thorough investigation for the remainder of the evening.
At this time, there is no evidence of criminality, nor do we know if the bench was properly secured to the wall.
Our hearts go out to Brenden’s family who are dealing with this tragedy.
I am also going to keep an open line of communication with the school superintendent and our governing body, as we must address the concerns of our community. I’m also concerned for my officers who responded to this traumatic event, and they will be afforded counseling.
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