WESTFIELD — The Westfield community is mourning the tragic loss of one its high-school seniors.
According to information provided by the Westfield Public Schools district, senior Brandon Genlot, an honor roll student and a member of the Varsity Boys Volleyball team, was killed in a motor vehicle accident on Monday evening.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news we received this morning that WHS senior Brandon Genlot died in a car accident,” said Westfield High School Acting Principal Tom Paterson via communication to parents Tuesday morning. “I wanted to make you aware so that we may come together to support our students, staff, and Brandon’s family during this time of sorrow. His family has granted permission for us to share the news of their loss, as it deeply affects our entire school community.”
School administrators called students together by grade level on Tuesday to share the news as gently as possible.
“This provided staff and students a space to begin processing their feelings together,” Mr. Paterson said. “Our high school administration and counseling team are providing additional support resources for students and staff. Spaces and counselors are available throughout the school day for anyone seeking these resources, and we encourage students and staff to reach out for support if needed.”
The district will be coordinating with the Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth, a statewide support network that provides resources and counseling services to children and young adults, along with counselors throughout the district, to offer extra support for those who may need it.
“Please keep Brandon’s family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Together, we will honor his memory and support one another,” Mr. Paterson said.
The Westfield Town Council held a moment of silence for Brandon and his family during a regular public meeting on Tuesday night and the Westfield Girls Volleyball team dedicated their win over Union City to his memory.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Brandon’s family and friends as they cope with this unimaginable loss,” Mayor Shelley Brindle said.
The district has provided parents and caregivers with a list of online resources that can be accessed to help students process the loss. These resources can be found at https://www.westfieldnjk12.org/page/coping-with-loss.
According to information provided by the Union County Police, first responders were dispatched to Sky Top Drive in Scotch Plains at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday to find that Brandon’s car had caught fire after striking a tree.
Flames from the accident spread to the surrounding wooded area, and the Scotch Plains Fire Department was called to assist.
Brandon was declared dead at the scene.
The accident is under investigation by the Union County Police Department.
Friends of the Genlot family have launched a GoFundMe page to help the family cover the costs of Brandon’s upcoming funeral. As of the date of publication, the page had raised upwards of $30,000.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Brandon Genlot. Brandon left his family and friends far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and dedication. Brandon was a cherished son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend, and senior at Westfield High School,” the page’s host, Tracy O’Brien, wrote.
The Brandon Genlot GoFundMe page can be found at: https://gofund.me/46d51baa.
