Boy who fell into Genesee River identified; search now recovery mission

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2 days ago

Rochester police have identified the 5-year-old boy who fell into the Genesee River on Sunday and has not yet been found.
Zy'Jae St. Pierre was walking with his mother and sibling on the Andrews Street bridge around 4:40 p.m. Sunday when he ran ahead, climbed onto the bridge railing, and fell approximately 50 feet into the river, said Rochester Police Chief David Smith.
'Fascinated by the water, he began climbing on the railing as his mother yelled for him to stop,' Smith said during a news conference Tuesday evening. 'He tragically fell over the railing and into the Genesee River.'
Zy'Jae's mother ran along the riverbank in an attempt to reach him, but eventually lost sight of him.
Despite what Smith called a "massive search effort" over three days, Zy'Jae has not been found. Search crews have combed the area in and along the river, and from the air, with Monday and Tuesday's efforts focusing on the area below High Falls.
The Rochester Police Department's Scuba Team coordinated with Rochester Gas & Electric to reduce water flow from the Court Street dam to help with visibility. Officers then searched the basin at the base of High Falls and north to Middle Falls. Additional search efforts extended north toward Charlotte but were also unsuccessful.
Water flow was also restricted from the Mt. Morris Dam in Livingston County to slow the river near High Falls to a near standstill Tuesday.
However, due to nearly 5 inches of rainfall in May — according to National Weather Service data — Smith said the river could only be slowed temporarily. Officials estimate it will be at least Thursday before water levels allow another attempt to bring the falls to a standstill.
Chief Smith confirmed Tuesday that the search has transitioned into a recovery effort.
'We're just trying to locate Zy'Jae and bring him home — to bring some closure to the family,' he said.
Rochester Police Capt. Greg Bello said that police are asking boaters, fishermen or anyone else around the river north of downtown "to keep an eye out" for Zy'Jae.
Zy'Jae's family described him as 'adventurous, endlessly curious,' and known for giving 'the tightest, warmest hugs you could ever imagine.'
'He was more than just a little boy,' his uncle Isaiah Funderburk wrote in an online fundraiser. 'He was our joy. Our heart. Our everything.'
Zy'Jae loved cars, Paw Patrol, and his favorite toy, Spunky. His favorite color was red — 'bold, bright, and full of life, just like him,' his uncle said.
He especially adored his father, mimicking his moves and even sharing his love of spicy foods. 'He wanted nothing more than to grow up and be just like him,' Funderburk said.
'A tragedy like this could happen to any of us,' said Mayor Malik Evans on Tuesday. 'For parents, especially, this adds another layer of heartbreak.'
Evans asked the community to continue praying for Zy'Jae's family, who held a balloon release Tuesday afternoon on the Andrews Street bridge. Hundreds attended.
'Remember the mom and what she's going through,' Evans said. 'Already, neighbors have shown tremendous support — and that's what Rochesterians do. When someone in our community is hurting, we come together.'
An online fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral expenses. A service date has not yet been announced.
'No one is ever prepared to lose a child,' Funderburk said. 'We are struggling, grieving, and trying to stay strong.'
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Zy-Jae St. Pierre named as child lost in Genesee River in Rochester NY