EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A licensed nurse has been charged in connection with the death of a disabled man, who passed away shortly after being transported on his school bus, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.
On Feb. 10, East Hanover Police were called to a residence on a report of an unconscious man. Matthew Rossi, 19, who was wheelchair bound, had just arrived home on the bus from his school, Carroll said.
EMS personnel and East Hanover Police officers attempted CPR and other life-saving intervention. Rossi was subsequently pronounced dead, Carroll said.
A police investigation revealed that Rossi was accompanied on the bus by his licensed nurse, Emelio J. Rivera, 29, of Carlstadt. It is alleged that Rivera was legally responsible for the care of Rossi, and neglected to perform certain acts necessary for the victim’s care and created a substantial risk of the victim’s death, Carroll said.
Rivera was charged on Nov. 2 with second-degree endangering another person, and third-degree neglect of a disabled person. He has been lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a first court appearance, Carroll said.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office extends its condolences to the Rossi family for their loss. This complex investigation involved comprehensive analysis of medical reports and other available data and information. I would also like to acknowledge the East Hanover Police officers and medics who worked diligently to try to save the life of the victim,” Carroll said.
The East Hanover Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit assisted in the investigation.
