Passaic Mayor Hector Lora confirms the recovery of a 10-year-old girl's body from the Passaic River.
Passaic Mayor Hector Lora confirmed that the body of a missing 10-year-old girl from Garfield was recovered from the Passaic River on Friday evening. The girl was swept into the water earlier in the week while playing near a boat ramp with two other children. While her 11-year-old sister managed to reach the shore on her own, the 10-year-old boy who accompanied the girl was found earlier on Wednesday night. Emergency crews utilized boats, helicopters, divers, and sonar equipment to conduct the search. The discovery was made by a couple who noticed the child's body bobbing in the river and alerted officials. Mayor Lora noted that the operation has transitioned into a recovery mission, and crews are now utilizing cadaver dogs to assist in the searching. Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto joined the community effort, emphasizing the safety of the river's hidden undertows. Garfield Middle School will also increase its water safety education for students.