Families speak out at vigil after 10-year-old boy, girl drowned in Passaic River

Families speak out at vigil after 10-year-old boy, girl drowned in Passaic River By CeFaan Kim Friday, August 7, 2026 3:25AM CeFaan Kim has more on the vigil held for the victims. GARFIELD, New Jersey (WABC) -- The grief was palpable and unrelenting in New Jersey on Thursday night for two 10-year-olds who drowned last week in the Passaic River.

Their families spoke out at a vigil about their unthinkable losses as the community wonders what can be done to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again.

It was an uncontrollable flood of sorrow that Century Park could not contain.

"This is something that we'll carry with us for the rest of our lives. Crying," Milian Dula Thompson's grandmother said.

A rush of anguish that even the raging Passaic River last week would not be able to match.

Ten-year-olds Michael Klenk and Milian Dula Thompson were classmates and friends from Garfield.

They were pulled in by a current and taken from their families.

"Mikey and I were very close. He was a mama's boy," Michael's mother said.

But how does one comfort a mother who not only lost her son but must stay strong for her 11-year-old daughter alive today because her brother Mikey pushed her to safety.

"He's very giving and humble. He loved life and he loved to help others. And that's how I will live my life and how he will be remembered," his mother said. "Milian was such a sweet girl. She was best friends with my daughter. She came by a lot and the three of them played, even Mikey played with the girls and their laughter was contagious. Milian always made me smile. And I will miss her."

"I've been through a lot of things in my life. A lot. But this one right here, I wouldn't wish on anyone in this world. Milian was the life of our family," Milian's grandmother said.

"Over the past week our city has experienced one of the darkest moments most heartbreaking moments that any city, any parent, or any family can imagine," Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto said.

As Garfield mourns, Passaic is working to prevent this from happening again.

In past 10 years, seven people ended up in the river. Only one survived.

The 10-year-olds were playing on a boat ramp, near a playground when they got swept away.

But the mayor says what won't be installed here, is a fence.

The mayor says these ramps must be accessible to first responders.

So instead, he has purchased several of these life rescue buoys that he hopes to place along the river by the end of the year.

"I think it would make a huge difference. It may not prevent every incident but it provides one additional tool that emergency responders can utilize," Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said.

Michael will be laid to rest on Saturday and Milian the following Saturday.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: ABC7 New York. Open at source →