Community Unites to Mourn Two 10-Year-Old Garfield Students Lost in Passaic River Tragedy

photo ERFD Special Operations Team responded mutual aid to assist the Passaic Fire Department during an extensive search for two missing juveniles in the Passaic River

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Garfield NJ, More than 100 community members gathered near the Market Street Bridge on Sunday to honor the lives of two 10-year-old playmates, Michael “Mikey” Robert Klenk Jr. and Milian “Millie” Dula, who tragically drowned after being swept away by strong currents in the Passaic River.

The two young children—students at Garfield Public School No. 6—disappeared around 6:20 p.m. on July 22 while playing near a boat launch at Pulaski Park.

A Brother’s Heroic Sacrifice

In a heart-wrenching detail confirmed by authorities, Michael’s 11-year-old sister survived the incident because her brother pushed her toward nearby rocks, allowing her to climb safely out of the rushing water before he was swept away.

Search teams from across New Jersey worked tirelessly for days to bring closure to the families:

• Michael’s body was recovered near the initial entry point at Pulaski Park.

• Milian’s body was recovered days later near the Market Street Bridge, roughly 1.25 miles downstream.

During Sunday’s memorial service, mourners lined the bridge to toss red-and-white roses into the river in a poignant display of respect and solidarity.

“Our communities from all over Passaic, Bergen County, and around our state came out to show their support, express their condolences, and join the families in grief,” said Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, describing the gathering as a “beautiful display of unity.”

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Local Officials Push for Water Safety Measures

Officials indicated that Michael and Milian likely misjudged the end of the boat ramp before slipping into the water, where they encountered a powerful undertow.

Mayor Lora announced plans to meet with Passaic County Commissioners to discuss safety enhancements to prevent children from accessing the ramp, while acknowledging the challenge of balancing security with emergency response accessibility.

“An extra gate or lock takes away those few precious minutes needed to get first responders into the water… Still, I’m going to push for something. It’s the first time something like this has happened, but it should be the last time.” — Mayor Hector Lora, City of Passaic

In response to the tragedy, Garfield Public School No. 6 mobilized grief counselors to support students, staff, and families affected by the loss.

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