On Wednesday, September 24, a tragic accident took the life of 13-year-old Nico Lombardi, an eighth-grade student.
He was struck while riding their e-bike at around 2:12 p.m. near the intersection of Mountain and Mountainview avenues, according to township officials.
Emergency crews from the local police and fire departments responded quickly and transported Nico to University Hospital in Newark.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation.
The SPFPAL Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Former Football Player Nico Lombardi!
A young boy from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Nico, was a student at a local middle school.
He was one of the beloved members of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Police Athletic League (SPFPAL).
Nico Lombardi played football with determination, bringing heart and focus to every practice and game.
His family is deeply rooted in the local sports community. His older brother is a varsity player with SPFPAL, and his younger sister is a devoted fourth-grade cheerleader in the same program.
Together, the Lombardi siblings have formed a strong and inspiring bond with SPFPAL.
In the wake of Nico Lombardi’s passing, his family, coaches, friends, and all who knew him are mourning the heartbreaking loss of a bright young athlete.
The New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League shared a heartfelt message, saying:
The NJSYFL’s motto is ‘It’s about the kids’ — and this one hurts. Please hug your kids and send prayers to the Lombardi family.” Those words capture the profound sense of loss felt not only in Scotch Plains but across the wider youth football community that Nico was such an important part of.
While Nico’s family has requested privacy during this heartbreaking time.
The details regarding the funeral and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Nico Lombardi’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Beautiful Soul!
