Children Who Died In Passaic River Were From Bergen County: Officials

NORTH JERSEY — The body of a missing 10-year-old girl was recovered from the Passaic River on Friday night, according to reports.

The girl was found by the Market Street Bridge, down river from where three kids when into the Passaic River on Wednesday night, said a report on NorthJersey.com.

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Officials said that three children — an 11-year-old girl, her 10-year-old brother, and their 10-year-old friend — were on a partially submerged boat dock in the Passaic River on Wednesday when they wound up in the water. The river had swelled from storms over the past two days.

The 11-year-old girl was able to get out of the river, telling officials that her brother had pushed her closer to the shore.

The body of the boy, 10, was found Wednesday night. He has been identified as Michael Klenk, 10, of Garfield, said a report on WPIX.

The girl who was found on Friday, his friend, has been identified as Milian Dulan, 11.

All three children lived in Garfield and were students at Public School No. 6, Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto told Patch on Friday night.

Garfield is separated from Passaic by the river.

"This has been an incredibly difficult time for our community," Garnto said. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are also grateful to the many first responders and agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this search effort."

Michael Klenk's aunt posted on Facebook, "Words can't express the hole in our hearts for you. You are a sweet sweet boy. You brought so much joy to all of us."

Reports said a memorial has grown on the Passaic Street Bridge, which separates Passaic from Garfield.

Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said Thursday, "I ask that you continue to pray for the families and to hold them up in your thoughts because they are in need of your support."

Officials said police were called to the river around 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday. Lora said that the children did not go into the river intentionally and were not there to swim.

Garnto had posted on social media on Thursday, "I ask everyone to please keep the families from our school district in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with the horrific tragedy that occurred yesterday evening in Passaic."

Floodwaters raged around Passaic County this week after heavy storms dumped five inches of rain on the area from Monday through Tuesday. Seventy-five people were rescued in just one Passaic County town.