The Bayonne Board of Education will open their own independent investigation into the incident where two brothers drowned at the Lincoln Community School pool and are also starting a gift card fundraiser for the family.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today, I have spoken to the family and, with their blessing, we would like to start a fundraiser on behalf of the Zheng & Jiang family. While we will continue to respect the family’s privacy, we are accepting gift card donations to help the family. The incident remains under investigation by the Bayonne Police Department,” Superintendent of Schools John Niesz said in a letter addressed to the community.
“Investigations and reports are also being conducted by the school district, school insurance carrier, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). I would also like to advise our community that the Bayonne School District will immediately commission an independent investigation into this incident. I would like to commend our staff, first responders and administration who were present last evening for their efforts in trying to save Mr. Zheng and Mr. Jiang.”
Those who would like to donate can visit the Korpi Ice Rink on Friday, June 10th between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., June 11th and June 12th between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and then June 13th between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The Bayonne PD indicated this morning that the two brothers, ages 16 and 19, drowned in the pool yesterday when three lifeguards were on duty.
A 911 call also drew a response from police, firefighters, and EMS, but they were both pronounced dead at the Bayonne Medical Center last night.
A third sibling, their sister, was also present when the incident took place, but was never in any danger, authorities said.
