The body of a 10-year-old girl who disappeared while swimming in New Jersey’s Passaic River has been recovered, Passaic Mayor Hector Lora announced Friday. The discovery was made by divers after a couple reported seeing something in the river.
The girl went missing on Wednesday near Pulaski Park along with two friends, a brother and sister. The 10-year-old boy reportedly drowned while attempting to save his 11-year-old sister, who was struggling to stay afloat. The sister was able to exit the water and was reunited with her parents. Her brother's body was found approximately 50 feet from where he entered the river.
A bystander attempted to rescue the children but was unable to overcome the river's strong currents. The Passaic Fire Department led the search, with assistance from dive teams and boats from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office. The identities of the children have not been released.
Search efforts were reportedly hampered by darkness and high water levels resulting from recent storms. Lora requested continued thoughts and prayers for the grieving families.