NEW MILFORD, N.J. — A bench from a folding table attached to a wall collapsed at a school during a recreational soccer practice, killing a 7-year-old boy preparing for his season opener, officials said.
Brendan Jordan, a student at Gibbs Elementary School in New Milford, was attending an indoor recreation soccer program at the town's Berkley Street Elementary School on Wednesday night when he came near a fold-down table and benches stored in the wall.
A 108-pound wood and steel bench fell and struck the child in the head, Detective Lt. Frank Ramaci said in a news release.
School Superintendent Michael Polizzi told The Record newspaper that the table folds vertically into the wall and has benches attached to both sides. It is secured with a key. Polizzi said he didn't know if it had been properly locked.
John Bigger, the recreation director for New Milford, told The Record that practices in the gym were suspended for a few days while it is inspected, and he doesn't know if the team will play Sunday.
Grief counselors were made available at both schools....
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