Fact Check: Five hospitalized for dehydration during Paterson graduation ceremonies
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, during high school graduation ceremonies held at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey, extreme heat conditions led to multiple medical emergencies. Reports indicate that five individuals were hospitalized for dehydration as a result of the sweltering temperatures, which reached nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index exceeding 107 degrees (CBS News). The Paterson Public Safety Director, Jerry Speziale, confirmed that numerous emergency medical services (EMS) personnel were present at the stadium to assist those affected by the heat (Shore News Network).
The ceremonies were impacted by the heat, with three out of four afternoon graduations being cut short due to health concerns. Attendees described chaotic scenes as many fainted and required medical attention. The city had previously issued an extreme heat advisory, urging residents to take precautions against the heat (CBS News, Shore News Network).
Analysis
The claim that "five hospitalized for dehydration during Paterson graduation ceremonies" is supported by multiple credible sources. CBS News reported that five individuals were hospitalized specifically for dehydration, corroborating the claim (CBS News). Additionally, the Shore News Network detailed the broader context of the event, noting that over 150 attendees were treated for heat-related illnesses, with a total of 16 hospitalizations reported, which includes the five for dehydration (Shore News Network).
The reliability of these sources is strong; CBS News is a well-established news organization known for its journalistic standards, and the Shore News Network provides local news coverage with a focus on accuracy. Both sources reported on the same incident, providing consistent information about the extreme conditions and the resulting health emergencies.
While other reports indicated a higher total number of individuals affected by the heat (over 150 treated), they align with the specific claim regarding the five hospitalizations for dehydration, thus reinforcing the accuracy of the claim (NY Daily News, Daily Voice).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that five individuals were hospitalized for dehydration during the Paterson graduation ceremonies is accurate, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources. The extreme heat conditions during the event led to numerous health emergencies, with five specific hospitalizations for dehydration being reported.
