Inwood Street Sign Honors Boy Who Drowned Trying To Save Friend

INWOOD, NY — A street naming ceremony will take place Saturday for a 13-year-old Inwood boy who drowned after jumping into the Hudson River in an effort to save his friend who was struggling.

Isaiah Che Moronta and his friend Manny Flores had gone to a spot where Spuyten Duyvil Creek meets the Hudson River in Inwood on March 13, 2020, as told by Moronta's parents and friends in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The day was hot and Moronta jumped from the bridge into the water and then returned to shore.

Flores then wanted to try the jump — but wasn't a strong swimmer — and began struggling and yelling for help in the water.

Moronta jumped back into the river to help his friend. The two boys never returned.

Moronta's body was found nearly two months later, his father Oscar announced on Instagram at the time.

On Saturday, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa is hosting a street co-naming ceremony for Moronta at the intersection of Dyckman and Nagle Street.

"Moronta’s story is one of absolute courage, and, after two years, it will finally be memorialized," reads a press release from De La Rosa's office.

Moronta's family, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez are all expected to be in attendance.

The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m.