Ex-NJ Nurse Sentenced In Disabled Teen's School Bus Death

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A nurse responsible for the care of a disabled, nonverbal Morris County man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail following the 19-year-old's death while returning home from school.

Emilio J. Rivera, 30, of Carlstadt, pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a person and neglecting a disabled individual, both third-degree offenses, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

In addition to his sentence, Rivera will surrender his nursing license and be prohibited from contacting the victim’s family.

The charges stemmed from the 2023 death of Matthew Rossi, an autistic East Hanover resident with congenital muscular dystrophy, which left him wheelchair-bound and in need of specialized, one-on-one nursing care.

According to prosecutors, the Rossi family had hired Bayada’s home care nursing services to accompany Matthew on the school bus to and from CTC Academy—Oakland School, among other responsibilities.

On Feb. 10, 2023, Rivera was the nurse assigned to provide Matthew with the necessary nursing care throughout the day.

According to a lawsuit filed by Rossi’s family, Matthew was in good health when he left for school that morning. However, during his ride home that afternoon, he suffered respiratory distress that authorities claim was not properly addressed by his nurse.

Officials said Matthew required suctioning of mucus and secretions throughout the day. He died after his oxygen mask became clogged with fluids, causing him to suffocate on his own mucus during the trip home.

Neither Rivera, the bus aide, nor the driver called 911 or attempted CPR or other resuscitation efforts.

Emergency services were called to the Rossi home for a report of an unconscious male who had just arrived home on the bus from school. EMS personnel and East Hanover police officers attempted CPR and other lifesaving measures, but Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Rivera was legally responsible for the care of Matthew, and neglected to perform certain acts necessary for the victim’s care which created a substantial risk of serious bodily injury," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Rivera was sentenced to three years of probation, with 90 days to be served in the Morris County Correctional Facility, and up to 45 days in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP).