2 Bergen County Children Who Died In Passaic River To Be Honored At Public Memorial

GARFIELD, NJ — Two children who died in the Passaic River last week will be honored in a candlelight ceremony in their hometown on Thursday night. The public is invited.

Michael "Mikey" Klenk Jr., 10, and Milia "Millie" Dula Thompson, 10, who were friends at Public School 6 in Garfield, die in the Passaic River last week after they and Michael's older sister were on a boat ramp at a public park on the Passaic side and somehow ended up in the river, a day after storms swelled local waterways.

Officials have said Klenk may have saved his 11-year-old sister's life as he was sinking, by pushing her toward the shore.

His body was found on Wednesday night, while Millie's body was found on Friday.

"Some losses leave a silence that words can never fill," the Garfield YMCA posted on social media. "Our community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of two beautiful childre ... Together, let us come together in love, remembrance, and support for their families, friends, and everyone whose hearts have been forever changed. Please join us as we light a candle, share a prayer, and remind one another that no family should have to grieve alone."

The event will be held Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Century Field in Garfield.

"May their families find strength in the love of this community," the YMCA wrote.

On Sunday night, a memorial was held on a bridge over the river, where mourners tossed pink and blue roses to remember the children. Passaic Mayor Hector Lora posted these photos:

A fundraiser has also been started for the children's families, and raised $44,000 by Thursday morning.

"This has been an incredibly difficult time for our community," Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto told Patch on Friday. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We are also grateful to the many first responders and agencies who have worked tirelessly throughout this search effort."

A letter from Garfield's superintendent of schools said, "The Board and Central Administration have been working to mobilize our district and county counseling teams, and I will be providing you with more information over the next few days with regard to assistance that will be available at school sites at the beginning of next week. Until then, I am providing a link of resources for families and staff that can be shared below: https://padlet.com/.../bergen-traumatic-loss-coalition... If a parent, student, or staff member needs to speak with a counselor immediately, please do not hesitate to call or text me directly."

Officials said police were called to the river around 6:20 p.m. on July 29. Lora had told the media that the children did not go into the river intentionally and were not there to swim. Officials also said that a man saw the children and tried to save them, but could not.

Prior reporting is here.