Cops: No 'Criminality' When 7-Year-Old Bergen Boy Killed By Collapsed Table

There was no evidence of criminality when a 7-year-old New Milford boy died after he was struck by a collapsed table this week, according to New Milford police.

“Nor do we know if the bench was properly secured to the wall,” Det. Lt. Frank Ramaci wrote in a press release distributed to the media.

Ramaci said he was also concerned for the officers who responded to this incident, noting they will be afforded counseling.

Police provided the following account:

Seven-year old-Brendan Jordan, a New Milford resident and student of Gibbs Elementary school on the north end of town, was playing with a soccer ball when he approached a fold-down lunch table.

Fold-down lunch benches are recessed into the gym wall. It is unknown whether the child began touching the apparatus at that time, police said.

The incident happened on Wednesday evening, at approximately 6:30 p.m., when an indoor soccer practice was beginning at the Berkley Street Elementary school in New Milford. At the time, several parents and children had just entered the gymnasium.

More on this story:

• 7-Year-Old from Bergen County Dies After Table Collapses at School
• Schools, Towns On Alert After 7-Year-Old Killed by Collapsed School TableThe 108-pound bench

One of the benches, constructed of wood and steel and weighing approximately 108 pounds, fell out from the wall and struck the child in the side of his head, causing him to immediately collapse, police said.

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, police said.

The child was transported to Hackensack Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30pm.

A team of New Milford police officers and detectives, as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department crime scene investigation unit performed a thorough investigation for the remainder of the evening, police said.

“Our hearts go out to Brendan’s family who are dealing with this tragedy,” said Ramaci. “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.

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