Elwood community mourns teen who died after seizure

The Elwood community is coming together to help the family of the teen who lost his battle with epilepsy.

News 12 Staff

Jul 15, 2019, 9:30 PM

Updated 1,756 days ago

Share:

The Elwood community is coming together to help the family of the teen who lost his battle with epilepsy.
Nate Petit was 14 years old. Everyone at his school says he made a lasting impression on them.
Petit had a seizure on Friday and died.
Darren Szokoli was also Petit's coach. Szokoli says Petit liked basketball and lacrosse but he loved football most of all.
Szokoli says Petit couldn't play sometimes because of his seizures, but he never allowed his battle with epilepsy to stop him from being a part of the team.
"He hung around the sports teams all the time because he wanted to be a part of it, because we allowed him to be a part of it. And it really bothered him because he couldn't participate," Szokoli says.
A family friend started a GoFundMe page for Petit that has now raised more than $20,000 to help pay for his funeral costs. Whatever is left over will go to the Epilepsy Foundation of Metro NY and to set up a scholarship in Petit's honor.
Teachers say Petit will forever be remembered for his dynamic personality and his positive outlook on life.
More than 300 students and faculty attended a candlelight vigil Monday in honor of Petit.
Counselors will be on hand Tuesday at Elwood Middle School to help students cope.


More from News 12
2:06
Paterson homeowner says an abandoned home nearby is causing health, safety issues for his family

Paterson homeowner says an abandoned home nearby is causing health, safety issues for his family

1:53
Steady rain, cooler feel Sunday in New Jersey; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, cooler feel Sunday in New Jersey; warmer start to workweek

1:13
Rainy Sunday impacts businesses on Cinco De Mayo

Rainy Sunday impacts businesses on Cinco De Mayo

0:55
Iconic Paterson hot dog stand Libby's Lunch sold at auction

Iconic Paterson hot dog stand Libby's Lunch sold at auction

1:50
Curfew enforcement for kids under 17 now in effect in Newark

Curfew enforcement for kids under 17 now in effect in Newark

1:06
Overnight fire destroys home in Lakewood

Overnight fire destroys home in Lakewood

1:11
Injury at Morristown NJ Transit station leads to train service delays

Injury at Morristown NJ Transit station leads to train service delays

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

3:01
 All I-95 lanes in Norwalk reopen one day after overpass demolition

All I-95 lanes in Norwalk reopen one day after overpass demolition

1:46
Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

0:42
NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

0:28
Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

0:42
Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:27
Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

0:30
Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

0:27
Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

2:02
Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

1:04
Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

0:49
Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports