A 10-year-old boy died after entering the Passaic River, in New Jersey, to help his older sister, while rescue teams continue the search for another minor who remains missing in the waters.

The incident occurred shortly after 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, near Pulaski Park, in the city of Passaic, when the boy, his 11-year-old sister and a friend of both of them, also 10 years old, entered the river.

According to authorities, the minor had difficulty staying afloat and disappeared under the water. His body was located more than three hours later, approximately 50 feet from where he had entered the river, reported Passaic Mayor Hector Lora.

The boy would have saved his sister's life

The minor's sister managed to get out of the water and reunite with her parents.

As Mayor Lora explained after speaking with the girl, everything indicates that the little boy made a last effort to get her to safety.

“From what she told us, the boy could have saved her life,” said the mayor. “As she was sinking, he pushed her and she ended up next to the rocks, where she was able to get out.”

Search continues for another missing girl

The third minor who was with the brothers remains missing.

Authorities reported that a citizen tried to rescue the two children who remained in the water, but could not reach them due to the strength of the current.

The Passaic Fire Department is leading the search operation, with support from boats and dive teams from the Passaic County Sheriff's Office.

The work has been complicated by darkness and the increase in the river's flow after recent storms. Due to these conditions, authorities indicated that the operation is now being carried out as a recovery mission.

Authorities had warned about the danger of the river

Hours before the incident, Paterson Police had issued a warning about the high level of the Passaic River.

In a message spread on social networks, the authorities warned that the flow would reach its peak during the day and asked the population to stay away from the waters due to flooding and strong currents.

A witness identified as Lian Rodriguez stated that the area tends to flood frequently.

“This river is constantly overflowing and this entire area is a flood-prone area,” he told News 12. He also noted that, in his opinion, there should be protective barriers to prevent access to the shore in risky conditions.

While the search for the missing girl continues, Mayor Héctor Lora asked the community to accompany the families affected by the tragedy with their thoughts.

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