Vigil Planned As 2 Children Who Died In Passaic River Are Identified

NORTH JERSEY — A vigil is planned for Sunday afternoon near the Passaic River, where two children were found dead this past week.

The children, a 10-year-old girl and 10-year-old boy from Garfield, were playing near the river on Wednesday evening when they ended up in the water, officials said. The boy's 11-year-old sister was also there but was able to get to the shore.

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

The body of the missing 10-year-old girl was recovered from the Passaic River on Friday night. She has been identified as Milian Dulan.

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

Garfield, in Bergen County, 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."

A fundraiser set up for the families says, "The families of Mikey and Millie are now facing unimaginable grief and hardship."

Red And Pink Roses

A "Gathering of Roses" to remember the children's lives will be held at Market Street at the Passaic River on Sunday at 3 p.m., Passaic Mayor Hector Lora announced. Mourners are encouraged to bring a pink or blue rose to show support.

The petals will be cast into the water to show the community's love.

Lora posted on social media just before midnight on Friday, "Tonight, a rainbow stretched across the sky over the place where this little girl was recovered from the river and brought onto land. In a day filled with heartbreak, it was a sight that many of us will never forget. So many of us prayed for her to be found today ... Please continue to keep both families in your prayers."

Floodwaters raged around Passaic County this week after heavy storms dumped five inches of rain on the area from Monday through Tuesday.