10-year-old boy's body pulled from New Jersey river as rescuers search for his sister

Rescuers in New Jersey have recovered the body of a 10-year-old boy who was found floating in the Passaic River late Wednesday night, while continuing their search for his 10-year-old sister. According to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, the discovery occurred near Veterans Court close to a park in Passaic, New Jersey, on July 29, 2026. Lora described the situation with a mix of hope and sorrow, expressing the belief that the boy might have played a role in saving his sister. Emergency calls arrived around 6:20 p.m. local time after bystanders spotted three children in the water. A good Samaritan attempted to assist the children but was unsuccessful. The incident unfolded amid rising flood risks due to recent severe storms affecting parts of New Jersey and New York. Search and rescue teams faced challenges from high water levels, which slowed their progress. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Passaic Police Department, the Passacic County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police. These forces worked together to locate the missing girl, whose fate remained uncertain. Lora emphasized the emotional toll of the situation, noting that the mother had already lost her son and was now facing the possibility of losing her daughter as well. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the children were playing near the riverbank when they fell into the water. Despite the efforts of rescuers, the boy was found lifeless, though there were initial hopes that he might have saved his sister. Lora speculated that the boy’s actions could have been instrumental in keeping his sister safe, describing the scenario as almost miraculous. However, this remains unconfirmed, and the focus remains on locating the girl. As of Thursday morning, search and rescue operations continued, with teams working through the challenging conditions caused by the recent storms. The area around Veterans Court remains under scrutiny, with authorities urging caution among nearby residents and visitors. The Passaic Police Department has not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances leading to the children falling into the river. Authorities have not confirmed whether the children were alone or if others were present during the incident. While some reports mention the presence of a third child, others remain unclear. This ambiguity highlights the complexity of the case, as investigators continue to gather more information. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts. In the wake of the tragedy, community members have expressed concern over the safety of public spaces, particularly parks located near rivers. Local officials have acknowledged the risk posed by flooding and have called for increased vigilance. Meanwhile, the families of the children remain at the center of the investigation, with emotional support being offered to those affected. As the search continues, the community watches closely, hoping for positive outcomes. The recovery of the boy’s body marks a somber milestone in an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of all individuals in the area. With the search for the girl still active, the situation remains fluid, and the outcome remains uncertain.