Over 150 people collapsed in the scorching heat at a New Jersey high school graduation ceremony, forcing officials to declare a state of emergency and curtail several ceremonies as temperatures soared into the upper 90s with a heat index reaching 107 degrees.
Key Takeaways
- More than 150 attendees fell ill due to extreme heat at Paterson, NJ high school graduation ceremonies, with five requiring hospitalization for dehydration
- Mayor Andre Sayegh declared a state of emergency, leading to three of four planned ceremonies being cut short
- Despite the dangerous conditions, many parents refused medical evacuation to ensure they could witness their children’s graduation
- Critics argue school officials should have rescheduled the ceremonies earlier when it was cooler, knowing the heat wave was approaching
- The heat wave affected much of the Northeast with temperatures in the 90s and heat indices between 100-110 degrees
Scorching Conditions Create Mass Casualty Incident
What should have been a day of celebration quickly turned into a mass casualty incident at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. As families began lining up for high school graduation ceremonies Monday morning, the temperature climbed rapidly into the high 90s, with the heat index soaring to a dangerous 107 degrees. Emergency Medical Services personnel were already on standby when people began passing out from the extreme heat around 11 a.m., but even they were overwhelmed by the scale of the emergency that unfolded.
In total, more than 150 people succumbed to heat-related illnesses throughout the day, with the Paterson Fire Division providing medical assistance to approximately 50 individuals at the stadium alone. Five people were hospitalized for severe dehydration as the situation deteriorated. Despite these alarming numbers, school officials initially proceeded with the ceremonies, seemingly unprepared for the dangerous weather conditions that had been forecast days in advance.
Nearly 150 people were treated for heat exhaustion and 16 hospitalized during two Paterson high school graduation ceremonies as temperatures neared 100 degrees https://t.co/HZU7QICrZk
— EMS1 (@EMS1) June 24, 2025
Parents Risk Health to Witness Children’s Milestone
In a testament to parental dedication that should never have been necessary, several attendees refused hospital transport despite severe symptoms, determined not to miss their children’s graduation. One mother who suffered an asthma attack was treated in an ambulance but declined further medical care, prioritizing her son’s ceremony over her own wellbeing. The emotional toll on families forced to choose between health and witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime milestone highlights the poor planning that put them in this position.
“They gave me the breathing machine,” the woman, who didn’t give her name, said on Monday. “They wanted to take me [to the hospital], but I didn’t want to go because I didn’t want to miss my son’s graduation.”
As the situation worsened, Mayor Andre Sayegh was forced to declare a state of emergency, leading officials to cut short three of the four planned graduation ceremonies. By that point, the damage was done. Many graduates didn’t even hear their names called as the ceremonies were rushed to conclusion, robbing them of their moment of recognition after years of hard work. The school district’s failure to reschedule these important events, despite ample warning of the approaching heat wave, left many families frustrated and angry.
Poor Planning Leads to Preventable Crisis
Critics rightfully questioned why school administrators scheduled outdoor ceremonies during a well-forecasted heat wave when alternatives were available. The excessive heat warning had been issued days earlier, with Paterson officials even opening public libraries as cooling centers and advising residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Yet somehow, gathering thousands of people, many elderly or with health conditions, in an outdoor stadium during peak heat hours was deemed acceptable.
While some belated attempts were made to mitigate the danger by providing shaded areas and hydration stations, these measures proved woefully inadequate against the extreme conditions. Other school districts across New Jersey demonstrated more foresight by adjusting their graduation schedules and offering indoor viewing options. The stark contrast between Paterson’s response and that of neighboring districts raises serious questions about leadership priorities and the value placed on community safety. Once again, poor planning by public officials led to a completely preventable emergency situation.
