Westfield Principal's Fiancée Files Wrongful Death Suit

WESTFIELD, NJ - The fiancée of Westfield High School Principal Derrick Nelson, who died in April after donating bone marrow, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hackensack University Medical Center and others, according to Roseland attorney David Mazie.

Sheronda Braker, who was Nelson’s fiancée and the mother of his child, claims that his death was due to malpractice.

Nelson donated bone marrow to a 14-year old stranger in France who was suffering from cancer.

"Unfortunately, this selfless act took Dr. Nelson’s life as the anesthesiologist committed medical malpractice during the procedure, leading to Dr. Nelson suffering severe brain damage and ultimately death several weeks later," Mazie said.

The weeks after the passing of Westfield High School Principal Derek Nelson have been filled with in-person testimonials, social media remembrances and memorials large and small. A petition was started to rename Westfield High School in honor of the educator and veteran and Governor Phil Murphy ordered flags lowered to half staff in remembrance.

"Dr. Derrick Nelson represented the best of our state and our country," said Murphy. "He spent over 20 years in the United States Army, including time in the Middle East. He did all of this while serving the children of Plainfield, Orange, and Westfield, as a teacher, an assistant principal, and eventually as a principal. Tragically, Dr. Nelson died donating bone marrow to someone in need. We are better for having known him, even for the short amount of time he was with us."

Nelson has also been nominated to receive the Solder’s Medal, was posthumously named the Grand Marshal of the Westfield Township Memorial Day Parade and had a boat named after him.

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