Fact Check: Dozens fainted from extreme heat at New Jersey graduation ceremony.

Fact Check: Dozens fainted from extreme heat at New Jersey graduation ceremony

What We Know

On June 23, 2025, a graduation ceremony in Paterson, New Jersey, was disrupted due to extreme heat conditions. The event, which took place at Hinchliffe Stadium, was attended by hundreds of graduating seniors and their families. As temperatures soared into the upper 90s, with a heat index reaching 107°F, several attendees began to suffer from heat-related illnesses. Reports indicate that numerous individuals were treated on-site, while some were transported to local hospitals for further care (Weather.com, CBS News).

The mayor of Paterson, Andre Sayegh, declared a State of Emergency in response to the situation, advising residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during the extreme heat warning (Weather.com, CBS News). Local media reported that about two dozen people were treated for heat-related issues, with four individuals hospitalized for dehydration (New Jersey News 12).

Analysis

The claim that "dozens fainted from extreme heat at New Jersey graduation ceremony" is partially true. While it is confirmed that many attendees experienced heat-related illnesses, the specifics regarding the number of individuals who fainted are less clear. The reports indicate that several were treated at the scene and some were hospitalized, but the exact number of those who fainted is not explicitly stated in the sources.

The sources used in this fact-check are generally reliable. Weather.com, CBS News, and New Jersey News 12 are established news outlets known for their coverage of local events and emergencies. However, the language used in the reports can sometimes lead to ambiguity; for instance, the term "dozens" is used without a precise count, which can create misconceptions about the severity of the situation.

Additionally, while the reports highlight the extreme conditions and the emergency response, they do not provide detailed accounts of the incidents leading to fainting, which could help clarify the extent of the health impacts on attendees.

Conclusion

The claim is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the occurrence of heat-related illnesses at the graduation ceremony, the specifics regarding the number of individuals who fainted are not definitively reported. The situation was indeed serious, with many treated and some hospitalized, but the lack of precise data on fainting incidents leaves room for interpretation.

Fact Check: Dozens fainted from extreme heat at New Jersey graduation ceremony.