July 14, 2025 | Paterson, NJ
A tragic incident has shaken the city of Paterson after a 5-year-old boy drowned in a residential swimming pool late Saturday night, authorities confirmed. The devastating discovery was made around 9:50 p.m. at a home near Marshall and Mary Streets, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The child, whose name has not yet been released pending full family notification, was found submerged and unresponsive in a private backyard pool. A family member reportedly transported the boy by private vehicle to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials were called shortly after the incident and are now conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are leading the case. Officials say the death appears to be a tragic accident, but standard protocols require a thorough review, including examination of pool safety conditions and witness interviews.
“Our hearts are with the family during this unimaginable time,” said a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office. “This incident is under active investigation, and we ask anyone with information to come forward.”
Authorities have not indicated whether other individuals were present at the time of the drowning or whether the pool had proper safety barriers in place.
Drowning: A Leading Risk for Children
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of 14, particularly during summer months when pool use is at its peak. According to the CDC, children aged 1–4 face the highest risk, with most incidents occurring in residential pools.
Experts urge parents and guardians to ensure that all swimming areas are equipped with four-sided fencing, self-latching gates, and constant adult supervision—especially for children who cannot swim or are unfamiliar with water safety.
Community Grief and Support
Neighbors near Marshall Street described a heartbreaking scene Saturday night as police vehicles and ambulances flooded the area. Some say they saw frantic family members rushing to get help.
“You could hear people crying. We didn’t know what happened at first,” said one neighbor. “When we heard it was a child, it just broke everyone.”
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh expressed condolences on Sunday, calling the child’s death a “devastating loss” and pledging city support for the grieving family.
How You Can Help
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is asking anyone with relevant information, security camera footage, or direct knowledge of the events that led up to the incident to reach out. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-877-370-PCPO or emailing tips@passaiccountynj.org.
Remembering a Life Cut Short
Though the child’s name has not yet been made public, local residents say the boy was known in the neighborhood and often played with other children outside.
“He was just a little kid, always smiling,” one resident said. “To think he’s gone—it’s hard to believe.”