In a tragic incident, a 10-year-old boy lost his life while trying to rescue his sister in the Passaic River in New Jersey. Efforts are still underway to locate another child who is missing.
The boy, along with his 11-year-old sister and a 10-year-old friend, entered the water near Pulaski Park shortly after 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday. Sadly, their bodies were retrieved just three hours later, as reported by WABC.
Mayor Hector Laura mentioned that the boy’s body was found approximately 50 feet from where he had entered the river.
Fortunately, the boy’s sister was able to pull herself out of the water and was later reunited with their parents. Laura has offered to help her find a safe place.
“In that moment, he may have saved her life,” Laura remarked. “As he went under, he pushed her, and she managed to reach a rock and crawl out.”
Despite a Good Samaritan’s attempt to assist in the water, the female friend remains unaccounted for as of early Thursday morning.
The current made it difficult for the man, who was attempting to rescue his two children.
“Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers; they need your support,” Laura expressed on social media.
The Passaic Fire Department is spearheading the search efforts, with additional support from the Passaic County Sheriff’s boat and scuba teams.
Due to the darkness and elevated water levels from recent storms, the operation has shifted to a recovery mission.
Earlier on Wednesday, Paterson police had cautioned residents about high river levels.
“River levels are anticipated to peak today and then gradually diminish, but flooded roads and swift water pose a continuous threat,” the Paterson police reported on X.
Witness Leanne Rodriguez mentioned, “This river floods constantly; this area is prone to flooding. You’d think they would have a fence. The police presence is surprising. This feels very personal.”
