Students, Parents Remember Edison Student Killed in Car Crash

Come Monday morning, the hallways of Thomas A. Edison Central Six School in West Orange will be missing a familiar face. Nikhil Badlani, 11, was killed Saturday in a three-way motor vehicle accident in South Orange. 

The death of the Edison sixth grader has shaken the community. Parents and students who knew Badlani said he was gifted in mathematics, was a talented actor and musician and an overall good student. 

Scores of his peers dedicated a Facebook page to Badlani soon after the accident. The Facebook wall was brimming with messages from students and parents alike. 

"We'll miss you when we go to school tomorrow. It won't be the same without you in the hallways," wrote S.L. 

"You were an inspiration to me. You were an excellent student, great actor, and an awesome person, and I still can't believe I was just talking to you on Friday and know you have been taken away by the angels. You and your family will be in my prayers Nikhil. I wiill [sic] miss you so much! I will watch the drama tape over and over just to think you are still here on Earth. We love you!!!" wrote A.M.

"You will truly be missed," wrote F.R.O. 

Some called on the student body to wear all black clothes Monday morning to honor their fellow classmate.

Comments also poured in on Patch. 

"You went to my school last year. You were going to be in the Spelling Bee, and you were suppose to go to Frog Bridge. I had science, advisory, & language arts with you. Rest in Peace, you will be missed.</3" wrote K.R. 

"Nikhil wasnt just any student. He was in hap, wind ensamble, [sic] and even in drama. I remeber [sic] being in lainguage [sic] arts class and nikhil telling mrs. jackson he wanted to read his 10 page essay. even though he was only in two classes of mine he was well known on the orange team. We will miss you a lot. You wil [sic] always be apart of edison no matter were you are. Rest in peace nikihil. Edison we miss you !!" wrote E.S.

Superintendent of Schools Anthony Cavanna said the District Crisis Intervention Team would provide grief counseling for parents, teachers and students throughout the week. 

In an email sent Sunday afternoon to parents in the district, Cavanna wrote, "We are extremely saddened to communicate that the School District has experienced the sudden death of one of our students from Edison Middle School as the result of an automobile accident that occurred Saturday afternoon. The student previously attended Gregory Elementary School, where a younger sibling is still currently enrolled. The loss of this young student is a tremendous tragedy to everyone and our thoughts go out to the surviving family."

Badlani was a passenger in a dark-colored van that was allegedly struck twice at the corner of Wyoming and Lenox avenues. The van was hit by a Toyota Prius that allegedly failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, officials said. The van then rolled over and was struck again by an oncoming car.

Officials said Badlani's father who was driving the car, and another passenger, whose name was not released, sustained non-life threatening injuries. They are recovering at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. 

For more information on counseling services contact: The Edison Middle School Guidance Department (973) 669-5360 ext. 28601, Gregory Elementary School (973) 669-5397, COPE Center (Counseling, Outreach, Prevention, Education) (973) 783-6655 or Traumatic Loss Coalition for Children of Essex County (973) 239-5382.