Families call for fences to be put up at Bronx River where 2 teenagers drowned

BRONX (WABC) --

Their families now want fences put up to try and keep people from getting too close to the water.

The families returned to Starlight Park Monday, calling for a fence along the water's edge.

"I wish it was me that passed and not my son, I loved my son. Nothing can bring him back," said Eva Villa, the mother of one of the victims.

She is grieving the tragic loss of her son Erickson and her nephew Wellington Gavin.

"Please put the gates up around the river or close to the park," she said in Spanish.

On Friday afternoon, 13-year old Wellington and his 13-year old cousin Erickson jumped into the Bronx River, according to friends at a boat dock where people launch their kayaks and canoes.

Both knew how to swim, the family says. Wellington was pulled out by fire and police divers within a few minutes, but Erickson wasn't found until an hour later. He died Friday afternoon. Wellington died Sunday.

"We're asking the park be closed, off limits until that fence gets put up for the safety of the other children," said Erickson's father, Robinson Villa.

Swimming is not permitted there and signs are posted. There are also clear dangers, like a concrete dam. Visible now, it was submerged Friday when the boys went in the water.

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Families call for fences to be put up at Bronx River where 2 teenagers drowned