Safety Fencing Wanted by Families of New York Drowning Victims

The families of two teenagers who died after going swimming in the Bronx River are calling on the city to erect a safety fence to avoid similar tragedies.

Erickson Villa and Willington Gavin, both 13, were pulled from the New York river over the weekend. They were part of a larger group of children who decided to go into the water on Friday.

The area has signs posted warning against swimming and boating.

The boys’ families joined lawmakers Monday at the Starlight Park on East 172nd Street to ask the city to put up safety fencing.

The Wall Street Journal says state Sen. Ruben Diaz said both families are seeking financial assistance to bury the teens in the Dominican Republic.