Authorities say a 9-year-old New Jersey boy is dead and his 13-year-old cousin is in the hospital after they fell from a second-floor balcony in Perth Amboy.

Officials said the two cousins were out on the deck attached to a home on Brighton Avenue around 5 p.m. Thursday when the railing gave way, causing the boys to fall about 15 feet. The 9-year-old was killed and his 13-year-old cousin was seriously injured.

The 13-year-old was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and is said to be in stable condition.

Family members identified the boys as 9-year-old Dariel Sosa and 13-year-old Jason Huerta.

Perth Amboy Police Chief Roman McKeon said the incident is heartbreaking for everyone.

"What's important for everyone to know here in the city of Perth Amboy is that if we lose one, we all lose someone,” he said. “A loss of young life like this, it affects all of us."

McKeon said grief counselors would be at the Dariel Sosa's school on Friday

It was not immediately known what led to the deck railing collapse. Officials said adults were home properly supervising the children at the time of the incident.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office is also involved in the investigation.