Paramus' Neha Kurian, 14, Dies After Battling 'Chronic Illness'

PARAMUS, NJ — Neha Kurian, a 14-year-old borough resident who was battling a chronic illness, died Wednesday afternoon, Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg announced Thursday.

Kurian was "chief" of the police department for a day in 2016 thanks to an annual county-wide program for ill children.

"The entire department, we're very saddened by her passing," Ehrenberg said. "Everyone was glad that we got to play a positive part in her life and do something positive for her and her family."

She was predeceased by her sister, Nimi.

Kurian is survived by her parents, Bromley and Beena, and her brother, Nikkhil.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kurian family at this time," the department said in a Facebook post.

Visitation with the family is today from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Knanaya Syrian Orthodox Church, 186 Third St., in Clifton.

A funeral service is at the church Saturday at 8 a.m.; internment will follow at 11:45 a.m. at George Washington Memorial Cemetery in Paramus.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Images: Photos of Neha Kurian and Paramus Police Department during her "chief for a day" experience in 2016. (Courtesy of Paramus Police Department)