Passaic Co. Middle Schooler's Unexpected Death Shatters Community

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County boy died this week after suffering from a medical episode over the weekend, according to his family.

Alexander Billson, of Woodland Park, died in the hospital on Monday night after he was rushed to the ICU on Saturday following an “unexpected medical crisis.”

According to his family, Alexander had been feeling sick all month, and doctors prescribed him amoxicillin to treat what was a suspected sinus infection.

On Saturday morning, Alexander took one of his antibiotics and was unable to swallow it, choked, and passed out on the kitchen floor, a family member said.

He was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, and his brain was without oxygen for at least two hours.

As medical staff performed several tests on him, he was discovered to have a cancerous tumor in the back of his throat, hence his inability to swallow the pill.

The family announced that on Monday, they decided to turn off the machines that were keeping Alexander alive.

The community is rallying to support Alexander’s family at this time. A GoFundMe that was originally launched to help with his medical bills has raised more than $23,000.

“We are heartbroken as a community tonight. The Borough of Woodland Park extends its deepest condolences to the Billson family. This tragedy has touched us all, and our hearts are heavy with grief,” a Borough of Woodland Park statement read. “We stand together in support of the Billson family, friends, classmates, and teachers who are enduring unimaginable pain. May they find strength and comfort in the love that surrounds them during this time. Our entire community shares in this sorrow, and we will continue to hold the family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Despite being so young, Alexander was a pillar in his community, often volunteering at the Alfred H. Baumann Free Public Library. He’d been active in the library from a young age, working on programs, winning competitions, and more.

“It is a privilege to have had (Alexander) be a part of our lives,” a library spokesperson said.

The eighth grader attended Memorial Middle School in the Woodland Park School District, and school officials have also offered their condolences.

"Each and every day, we looked forward to seeing Alex's smiling face as he raised the flag in pride not only for our school, but in honor of our country," a statement read. "And today and always, we honor Alex. His kind heart and gentle soul will be forever with us. May you rest in peace, Alex, knowing that our school community will always remember you. You are forever in our hearts."

Members of the community are encouraged to wear purple, Alexander’s favorite color, to honor him and his family.