The Search for a Missing Teenager in the East River Resumes
The search for a teenager who disappeared in the fast-moving East River has resumed. It was revealed that a friend had warned the 15-year-old victim, who couldn’t swim, to get out of the water.
The girl, wearing a floral bathing suit, was seen sitting on the Roosevelt Island rocks with her feet in the water when her friend noticed her getting into the river around noon on Friday, according to the police.
Despite her friend’s warning to get out of the water, the strong current swept the girl away. When her friend returned with help, the teen was no longer visible.
Video footage obtained by investigators showed the girl being carried up the river by the current. The NYPD boats were deployed again on Saturday as the search for the missing teenager continued.
Belongings belonging to the teenager, including two books, a bag, sneakers, and clothing, were found near the location where she disappeared. The identity of the teenager has not been disclosed as of Saturday afternoon.
Local resident Adrina Hegbeli, 77, expressed her sadness over the incident, stating, “It is a tragedy. I have seven grandchildren, and I was devastated.”
While some parkgoers speculated that the girl had jumped into the water to retrieve a dropped phone, the police had no witnesses to confirm this account.
Additional reporting by Brigitte Seltzer
