By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic accident in Wayne has claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy who was found unresponsive in a backyard pool on Thursday evening.
According to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wayne Police Chief Joseph Rooney, officers responded to a home near Armstrong Avenue and Maple Lane at approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 18, 2025, following reports of a possible drowning.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the child had left his home around 5:30 p.m. without adult supervision. 
He was later found floating in the pool and was rushed to Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, where he was pronounced dead at 7:44 p.m.
Authorities have launched an active and ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO.