By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic search along the Passaic River ended with the recovery of a 10-year-old boy Wednesday night, while emergency crews continued searching for a missing 10-year-old girl, according to Passaic city officials.
Authorities were called to the area near the river by an off-ramp in the park at approximately 6:21 p.m. after receiving reports that several children had entered the water and were in distress.
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said an 11-year-old girl was able to make it out of the river on her own and was reunited with her parents.
However, a 10-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl remained missing as rescue crews launched an extensive search.
Late Wednesday evening, Mayor Lora confirmed that divers recovered the body of the 10-year-old boy at approximately 10 p.m. The search for the missing 10-year-old girl continued into the night despite difficult conditions.
According to the mayor, the 11-year-old survivor is the sister of the boy who was found deceased. The missing girl is a family friend.
Lora said the 11-year-old told responders the children had been trying to get out of the river but became separated.
She managed to reach shore at another location and is now with her family.
The mayor also said a bystander in the park jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue the children. However, strong currents and deep water prevented him from reaching them, forcing him back to safety.
Rescue divers continued working through challenging weather and swift river conditions as the operation transitioned into a recovery effort for the missing girl.
The investigation remains ongoing.