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Drowning boy died saving his sister in N.J. river, mayor says as search for missing 10-year-old girl resumes

Source: NJ.com Statewide · Jul 30, 2026, 9:26 AM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Rescue and emergency response efforts on a New Jersey river following a drowning incident

An 11-year-old boy drowned in a New Jersey river while attempting to save his younger sister, according to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora.

The boy pushed his sister toward rocks to help her escape the water during an incident Wednesday evening. The girl, who survived, recounted the heroic final moments to the mayor.

Authorities have launched a search for the boy's 10-year-old sister, who remains missing. The tragedy highlights the dangers of water safety and has prompted renewed focus on river safety measures in the region.

Key points

  • An 11-year-old boy drowned while helping his younger sister escape a New Jersey river Wednesday evening
  • The boy pushed his sister toward rocks to create an opportunity for her to reach safety
  • His 11-year-old sister survived and reported the events to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora
  • A 10-year-old girl is still missing and authorities are actively searching
  • The incident underscores critical water safety concerns for families in the area

FAQ

What happened to the boy in the river?
The 11-year-old boy drowned Wednesday evening while attempting to save his younger sister. He pushed her toward rocks to help her escape the water, but he was unable to pull himself out.
Did any of the children survive?
An 11-year-old girl survived the incident. She was able to reach the rocks her brother pushed her toward. However, a 10-year-old girl remains missing and search efforts are ongoing.
How do we know what happened?
The surviving 11-year-old girl told Passaic Mayor Hector Lora exactly what occurred during the Wednesday evening incident, providing authorities with crucial details about her brother's actions.

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