Police say 10-year-old Ebrima Wally drowned yesterday after falling into the Harlem River.
Witness Monique Sledge says she immediately called 911 while the young boy's friend tried to grab his hand to pull him to safety.
Sledge says Wally struggled for about three minutes to stay afloat until a wave from a passing boat struck him and he went under.
A steady stream of mourners visited the family's apartment today. Wally's parents were too distraught to talk on camera.