Family Says Suffolk Landfill, School Caused Boy's Cancer Death: Report

BROOKHAVEN, NY — The family of a boy who died from cancer plan a lawsuit against the South Country School District and the Town of Brookhaven over toxic conditions at the nearby landfill, News 12 reported.

The lawsuit claims Javien Coleman's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was caused by the conditions at the school he attended, which is located so close to the Brookhaven Landfill in Yaphank, the outlet reported.

Coleman's mother, who is filing the lawsuit, claims the school district failed to relocate and prevent his exposure to the toxins at the dump.

The landfill has been the source of community complaints for years.

In a statement to Patch, town spokesman Jack Krieger said officials do not comment "on matters of potential litigation."

Also in a statement, South County Superintendent of Schools Antonio Santana said: “For any community, especially learning communities such as a school district, the loss of a child is extremely heartbreaking.”

“The passing of Javien Coleman is a tragedy,” the statement continued. “We offer condolences again to all of the family and friends affected by his untimely passing. With regard to the pending litigation, unfortunately the District and the Board of Education cannot comment at this time.”

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