Search goes on for missing girl believed drowned in the Passaic River
It's now a recovery effort. Crews along the Passaic River are using sonar, drones and divers to search for the 10-year-old girl from Garfield who was lost to the river current on Wednesday evening.
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The water search goes on for a 10 year old girl from Garfield believed to have drowned in the Passaic River after lost to the fast moving current on Wednesday evening.
Three children went into the river while playing along the boat ramp at Dundee Island Park but only one climbed out alive. It was an 11 year old girl - along with her 10-year-old brother and their 10-year-old friend who Passaic Mayor Hector Lora says, all went into the water at the same time.
"Unfortunately, the ramp when it’s covered by water it gives the perception that it’s much longer than what it is. The children appeared to have all been on the ramp together and may have dropped in together," said Mayor Lora.
The 11-year old girl survived, however her 10-year-old brother and her friend were taken away by the current. The remains of the boy were found late Wednesday night.
"When he placed his hand on her head to try to get up he pushed her and he may have without even knowing with his last moment saved her life. Because as the other two went in one direction, she ended up on the edge by the rocks and used them to climb out," said Mayor Lora.
Along the river, search crews are using sonar, drones, helicopters and divers to recover the little girl’s remains.
There are also neighbors looking on watching and waiting to see if she has been found. Challette Dorsey was with son Troy who never lets her son go alone to the park.
“Yep, take him to the park and I bring him in from the park. I think it’s very tragic that’s’ why we have to watch our children. You have to keep your eyes on them," said Challette Dorsey.
Others are at the river's edge to support the family.
It’s difficult you know they can go outside to the playground, accidents can happen anywhere," said Iris Rivera
The names of the children have not yet been released.
Both families are from Garfield.
