The search entered day three July 31 for a 10-year-old girl who went missing after entering the Passaic River with two friends July 29. The body of a 10-year-old boy was already recovered.
The three children entered the water around 6:21 p.m. Wednesday off a boat ramp on the bank of the river near Dundee Island Park, according to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, who said, "Unfortunately, the ramp, when it's covered by water, gives the perception that it's much longer than what it is. The children appear to have all been on the ramp together, and they had dropped in together."
A man nearby jumped into the river and tried to reach the children but was unsuccessful. The man was only 5 meters into the water, and it was already up to his chest, Lora said.
One of the three children, an 11-year-old girl, was able to get herself out of the water, but the two other children were not. The boy who drowned was the sibling of the 11-year-old girl, and the 10-year-old girl who remains missing is their friend.
A memorial has since been set up on Wall Street bridge in Passaic in honor of the young boy and the missing girl.
"God bless. In loving memory of a precious young life," reads the tri-fold poster board. A vase of flowers and two plush dolls, a Mickey and a Minnie Mouse, have been placed in front of the poster. Markers were also left at the foot of the board so people can leave messages of their own.
"Our hearts are with the missing 10-year-old girl and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We are praying for her safe return and holding onto hope that she is found soon and brought home safely," reads one of the messages.
"May God give your family the strength to manage through this tough time," says another.
Lora told reporters July 30 that he has been in touch with the mother of the boy. She expressed her "Deep appreciation" to the first responders who worked to find her child, the mayor said, adding, "All of us are hurting but our pain pales in comparison to what the mother right now is feeling and what the mother yesterday felt."
Resources from the city, counties and state, including boats, drones, dive teams, and helicopters have been deployed to assist in the search.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Memorial set up at Passaic River, search for missing girl enters day 3