Desperate Search for Missing Girl After Boy, 10, Dies in Passaic River
Search Continues for Missing Girl After Tragic River Incident in Passaic, New Jersey
What Happened
On Wednesday evening, a heartbreaking incident occurred at the Passaic River in Pulaski Park, Passaic, New Jersey. Three children went into the water, and the community has been holding its breath ever since.
Important: This is a developing story. Search crews are still working hard to find the missing child.
The Timeline of Events
- 6:21 p.m. Wednesday — Emergency services received calls about children in the river near the Pulaski Park off-ramp
- Wednesday night — Rescue teams searched the water for hours
- Around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday — The body of a 10-year-old boy was recovered
- Thursday morning — Search crews returned to continue looking for the missing 10-year-old girl
The Children Involved
| Child | Age | Status | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girl | 11 | Safe — got out on her own | Sister of the boy who died |
| Boy | 10 | Deceased — found Wednesday night | Brother of the 11-year-old girl |
| Girl | 10 | Still missing as of Thursday morning | Friend of the siblings |
A Brother’s Brave Act
Mayor Hector Lora shared a heartbreaking detail about what happened in the water:
The 10-year-old boy may have saved his sister’s life. As he was going under the water, he pushed her toward the rocks. She was able to climb out to safety.
The 11-year-old girl made it to shore at a different spot, not far from where they went in. She is now with her mother, understandably very worried about her brother and their friend.
The Rescue Attempt
A man who was in the park saw what was happening and jumped into the river to try to save the children. Sadly:
- He got about five meters (roughly 16 feet) deep
- The water was too deep and the current too strong
- He was pushed away and couldn’t reach them
Current Status: Recovery Mission
Mayor Lora has called this a recovery mission. This means:
- Search teams are no longer expecting to find the missing girl alive
- They are focused on finding her to bring closure to the family
- Crews are back on the river Thursday morning continuing the search
Water Safety Reminders
Important Safety Note: Rivers can be extremely dangerous, even for strong swimmers. Here’s why:
- Currents can be much stronger than they look on the surface
- Depth can change suddenly — shallow one step, very deep the next
- Cold water can cause shock and make it hard to swim
- Hidden obstacles like rocks, branches, or debris can trap people
Always:
- Stay away from river edges, especially after rain
- Never swim in rivers without lifeguards
- Wear life jackets near open water
- Call 911 immediately if someone falls in — don’t jump in yourself unless trained
Summary
- Three children fell into the Passaic River Wednesday evening
- One 11-year-old girl survived by climbing out on rocks
- One 10-year-old boy tragically lost his life; his body was found around 10 p.m.
- One 10-year-old girl remains missing as of Thursday morning
- The boy pushed his sister to safety before he went under
- A bystander tried to help but was unable to reach them due to depth and current
- Search crews continue their recovery efforts Thursday
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly did this happen?
Near the off-ramp in Pulaski Park in Passaic, New Jersey, along the Passaic River.
When did it happen?
Around 6:21 p.m. on Wednesday. The search continued through the night and resumed Thursday morning.
How are the families doing?
The 11-year-old girl is with her mother. She is physically okay but understandably very upset and worried about her brother and friend. The community is rallying around the families.
Why is it called a "recovery mission" now?
After many hours in the water with strong currents, officials believe the missing girl likely did not survive. The focus has shifted from rescue to recovering her body so the family can have closure.
How can I help or get updates?
- Follow official updates from Passaic Mayor Hector Lora’s office or WABC Eyewitness News
- If you have any information, contact local authorities
- Consider supporting the families through official community fundraisers (verify before donating)
This article is based on reporting from WABC-TV. Our thoughts are with the families and the entire Passaic community during this incredibly difficult time.
