Westfield mourns boys volleyball player killed in crash

Westfield High School is mourning the loss of Brandon Genlot, a 17-year-old student that died Monday after an automobile accident in Union County.

According to a report from the Westfield Patch, the crash occurred in the Watchung Reservation section of Scotch Plains. Investigators found that Genlot’s vehicle was the only one involved and caught fire after hitting a tree, the report said.

Genlot was a senior at Westfield, where he played on the boys volleyball team. He was the Blue Devils’ starting libero in the 2024 season and led the team in digs with 251.

“Brandon was an amazing person,” Westfield boys volleyball coach Ed Saggio said. “It was a true pleasure working with him and watching him grow into the young man he became. Volleyball was a huge part of his life, and he set the tone in practice with his infectious energy. In Brandon’s eyes the game was not over until someone scored 25 points no matter the score. He played with passion and was poised to have a breakout senior season. We will miss his leadership this spring. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I’ve been at this for 42 years and he was as good as they come as a person.”

Acting Principal Tom Paterson announced the news in an email on Tuesday, according to a report on TapInto Westfield.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news we received this morning that WHS senior Brandon Genlot died in a car accident,” the report said. “I wanted to make you aware so that we may come together to support our students, staff and Brandon’s family during this time of sorrow. His family has granted permission for us to share the news of their loss, as it deeply affects our entire school community.”

The Union County Police department has opened an investigation into the incident. Westfield High School has begun to offer support resources for both students and staff as well, Paterson’s email said.

Donovan Hugel can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @donohugel.

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