Full Breakdown
Tragic Drownings in New Jersey’s Passaic River
8/1/2026, 2:10:31 PM
Core Event
On a rain-swollen Wednesday night, three children from Garfield—two 10-year-olds and an 11-year-old sister—entered the water at a concrete boat launch in Dundee Island Park, Passaic, N.J. A strong undercurrent pulled the two boys under; the 10-year-old boy’s body was recovered that night, while his sister managed to climb out on her own. The 10-year-old girl remained missing until a couple in an apartment spotted her body near the Market Street Bridge on Friday, prompting her recovery.
Background & Context
Heavy rainfall earlier in the week caused the Passaic River to rise to about 15 feet deep, creating a deceptive calm on the surface but a powerful undertow.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Hector C. Lora described the incident as an “intense search” that turned into a recovery mission, noting that divers, firefighters and police—many of whom are also parents—were emotionally affected. He explained that a man attempted a rescue but was stopped by water up to his chest. Lora also said the search area was expanded toward Newark Bay and that cadaver dogs were deployed to locate any remaining bodies. Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto pledged a bipartisan effort to locate the missing girl, emphasizing cooperation across municipalities.
Data & Statistics
- Three children involved: two boys (both 10) and one girl.
- River depth at the time: approximately 15 feet (about 5 meters).
- Search effort spanned a nine-mile stretch from Passaic to Newark, employing boats, helicopters, divers, sonar, drones and cadaver dogs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Her mother had been waiting by the river,” — Hector C. Lora, Passaic mayor
- “He may have unintentionally saved her life,” — Hector C. Lora, Passaic mayor
- “I want to thank that couple. Some people would have seen something odd and went back into their apartment. These two heroes decided to act on even the remote chance it was something. They came running down,” — Hector C. Lora, Passaic mayor
- “You're going to see less boats in the river, this is not because we're suspending the operation, but we are now, utilizing, what are referred to as cadaver dogs,” — Hector C. Lora, Passaic mayor
- “No matter what political affiliation, no matter what county, we're all going to come together and put all our resources together to try to find this young lady,” — Everett Garnto, Garfield mayor
