'Remarkable Young Man:' Teen Drowns After Jumping Off NJ Bridge

PASSAIC – He was the kid who always got others away from drugs and other kinds of trouble, even as he struggled to overcome his own issues and obstacles.

The 17-year-old's selfless efforts to help the community helped connect him to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, who knew him well and did what he could to save him.

But it was Lora who eulogized him on Saturday after the teenager jumped off the Market Street Bridge between Passaic and Wallington on Friday night.

"Last night, we lost a remarkable young man with the whole world ahead of him, a 17-year-old with so much potential," Lora said.

Lora said officers went in to try and save his life, but they were unable.

"We were there for over five hours, he said. "I had been in the area and was on the scene minutes after the incident occurred. I saw our Passaic police covered above their waste in mud, cuts on their legs and bruises. They did everything they could to try and save him. "

Diving teams were out for hours until they recovered the body around 9 p.m.

Lora said the teen "was focusing his life on encouraging young people to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and gangs."

Lora said the teenager was a student at Passaic High School who was part of the mayor’s mentoring program, the “My Something Better Campaign,” before leaving the group some time ago, according to nj.com.

At the same time, the mayor said, he struggled with mental illness.

"We often think acts of heroism will always result in a positive outcome, 'a happy ending,' but that is not always the case," Lora said of the police's rescue efforts.

The police and other EMS went "above and beyond; they place their own lives in jeopardy to try and save others and we still end up with loss, we still end up grieving, we still end up with tears of sadness and tragedy."

"It in no way takes away from their heroic efforts," he said. "The outcome may not be what we all desperately hope for, but the fact that they risk their lives to save others still matters. Especially to those who mourn the loss of their loved ones. But sometimes our heroes are left with tears of loss as well."

Lora said the city will be setting up peer counseling for local youth, with support from grief counselors, crisis counselors, and other support.

Lora also offered contacts for support:

Mental Health Clinic of Passaic: 973-471-8006

Mental Health New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling Services
609-414-6967 (English)
609-414-6659 (Spanish)

Mental Health Association in Passaic County
404 Clifton Ave,Clifton NJ
973- 478-4444

Childhelp.org
Crisis hotline for youth 1-800-422-445