10-Year-Old Boy Found Dead in Passaic River as Search Continues for Missing Girl

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in New Jersey after a 10-year-old boy was found dead in the Passaic River, while emergency crews continued searching for a missing 10-year-old girl.

According to officials, the boy’s body was discovered shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, approximately 50 feet from the area where he was first reported missing at Pulaski Park in Passaic. Authorities said rescue teams had been searching the river after three children entered the water earlier that evening.

The group included a 10-year-old boy, a 10-year-old girl, and the boy’s older sister, who is believed to be 11 or 12 years old. The children entered the water shortly before 6:30 p.m., according to local officials.

The boy’s older sister was able to survive, but rescue crews continued their efforts to locate the missing girl, who was believed to be a friend of the siblings.

The incident has deeply affected the Passaic community as emergency responders, officials, and local residents came together during the difficult search. Authorities continue to urge families to remain cautious around waterways and to prioritize water safety, especially during the summer months.

10-Year-Old Boy’s Brave Act Helped Save His Sister Before Passaic River Tragedy

A heartbreaking update has emerged following the Passaic River tragedy in New Jersey, where a 10-year-old boy was found dead while authorities continued searching for a missing 10-year-old girl.

Passaic Mayor Hector C. Lora said the boy’s older sister survived and returned home safely. According to her account, her younger brother may have helped save her during the incident by pushing her toward safety as they struggled in the water. The mayor said the girl was able to reach the rocks and climb out of the river.

Officials also reported that a bystander attempted to rescue the children but was unable to reach them because of the river’s depth and strong current. Authorities warned that the Passaic River remained dangerous following heavy rainfall, with high water levels, fast-moving currents, and flooded areas creating hazardous conditions.

Emergency crews responded quickly, with more than a dozen marine units from multiple agencies arriving at the scene. Rescue boats searched the river while divers entered the water as daylight faded in the effort to locate the missing child.

The surviving girl was reunited with her mother and remained worried about both her brother and her friend who was still missing. Officials said the families were devastated as the search continued, describing the situation as every parent’s worst fear.

After hours of searching, authorities said the operation had shifted from a rescue mission to a recovery effort due to the length of time the child had been missing. The Passaic community continues to grieve as emergency responders work through the tragic aftermath.