West Orange Parents Mourn Son, 10 Years After Tragic Death

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“There is nothing I can say except that this is a very difficult day for us,” said Sangeeta Badlani to the crowd gathered at the intersection of South Wyoming and Lenox Avenues in South Orange to mark the tenth anniversary of her son Nikhil’s death in a crash caused by a distracted driver.

The Township of South Orange Village recognized the fateful anniversary by renaming the intersection “Nikhil’s Way,” to memorialize Nikhil following his June 11, 2011 passing. The Badlanis, West Orange residents, thanked South Orange for their efforts to establish a lasting memory for Nikhil.

“I hope people will see his name and it will start a conversation,” she added.

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Assemblyman John McKeon, sponsors of “Nikhil’s Law,” were present along with West Orange Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Cascone, West Orange High School Principal Hayden Moore, West Orange Councilpersons President Cindy Matute-Brown and Tammy Williams, Nikhil Badlani Foundation volunteers, friends, and family.

“I don’t know what it’s like to experience something like this, but I know how the Badlanis have taken this and made it into something that will save others,” stated Jasey.

“The past ten years have been hard,” she continued.

“I wish you peace. We will all remember this day and the efforts you have made, and know important it is to slow down. We remember Nikhil and we are all here in support.”

“Ten years have passed since this tragic day,” added McKeon, “and today there are people who don’t know Nikhil’s name whose lives you’ve saved.”

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill sent a notice that was placed into the Congressional Record describing Nikhil and the accomplishments of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your support over these past ten years,” said Sunil Badlani, tearing up as he and his wife hugged. Son Anay, soon to be entering his senior year of high school, has worked with his parents since the beginning to establish and support the Foundation.

Nikhil’s way will also feature improved traffic signage to help prevent future crashes.

To read more about Nikhil Badlani and the accomplishments of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, visit the Foundation’s website here.

See all the photos from the event here.

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