Beloved Westfield NJ HS Principal Derrick Nelson Tragically Dies After Donating Bone Marrow To Ailing Teen

WESTFIELD, NJ. (THECOUNT) — Westfield High School principal Derrick Nelson has passed away after lapsing into a coma following a procedure to donate bone marrow to a 14-year-old boy.

Nelson, 44, died Sunday, from complications two months after donating his bone marrow to help the teen in France.

The beloved principal opened his eyes after the surgery in February, but he was unable to speak or move. He slipped into a coma as his family kept vigil in his hospital room, reports Local10.

In an interview with the student newspaper, Nelson talked about why he was donating to help a boy he had never met.

“If it’s just a little bit of pain for a little bit of time that can give someone years of joy, it’s all worth it,” said Nelson.

Not only was Nelson the principal at Westfield, but he also served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 20 years and had just re-enlisted, according to the report.

Geo quick facts: Westfield is a town in Union County of New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town’s population was 30,316, reflecting an increase of 672 from the 29,644 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 774 from the 28,870 counted in the 1990 Census -Wikipedia.