Fundraiser Hopes To Keep Search Going For Missing Passaic Students

PASSAIC, NJ — A search remains ongoing for two Passaic college students who were swept away in floodwaters when the remants of Tropical Storm Ida pummeled the region last week.

Yesterday, NorthJersey.com reports, cadaver dogs and divers were out searching an area of the Passaic River, but came away with no signs of Nidhi and Ayush Rana.

That was on Day 6 of the search, and now, a fundraiser is underway to collect money to keep the search going. Here's what the creator of the fundraiser, and Nidhi Rana's sister, said about the direction of the funds:

"This is a fundraiser for the search and rescue of my missing sister (Nidhi Rana) and her friend (Ayush Rana) who have gone missing from Hurricane Ida . They are ages 18 and 21 years old and were last seen near the Passaic area on 9/1/2021. All the money that is raised will go towards paying for the continuation of the on going investigation for them and help the family out with any additional help needed. If by some chance we find both (Nidhi and Ayush) then the money raised will be donated to victims of Hurricane Ida."

Nearly $6,000 has been raised in the first two days of the fundraiser, as of 3:06 p.m. on Thursday.

View the fundraiser here.

Nidhi Rana is a commuter student at Seton Hall University, and President Joseph Nyre released a statement asking for continued help in locating her.

"Nidhi Rana is a first-year commuter student and is involved in our Division of Volunteer Efforts. She was possibly last seen with her friend, Ayush Rana, in her hometown of Passaic, an area particularly hard-hit by flooding. We are in contact with the City of Passaic police, who are conducting search and rescue operations for Nidhi and Ayush. We encourage anyone with information to contact the City of Passaic police department at (973) 365-3966."

He continued:

"Campus Ministry will be praying for Nidhi, Ayush, and their families today at our noon Mass in the University Chapel. Students can also contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (973) 761-9500 for additional support. Campus Ministry is also available at (973) 761-9545. We will continue to keep you apprised. In the meantime, please join me in keeping Nidhi and Ayush in your prayers for their safe return."

Gov. Phil Murphy reports that 27 people died as a result of the storm, including one person in Passaic County. Three county residents — including Nidhi and Ayush — are still missing.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with every family and community mourning a loved one and of those who remain missing," Murphy said on Wednesday.

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