Rochester community unites in support as search for missing 5-year-old continues
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The search for 5-year-old Zy'Jae St. Pierre continued along the Genesee River for a fifth day Thursday.
The young boy fell from the Andrews Street bridge Sunday afternoon, according to Rochester police. Earlier this week, police deemed their efforts a recovery mission.
Search efforts continue for 5-year-old who fell in the Genesee River, declared 'recovery operation'
In an update Thursday afternoon, the Rochester Police Department shared they were still unable to locate St. Pierre despite ongoing efforts. The department credited assistance from RG&E in helping to control and redirect the river during the search, including lowering the water level between the Andrews St. bridge and High Falls.
Police say St. Pierre was walking with his mother, who was pushing another child in a stroller, when he ran ahead of her. Witnesses said he climbed the railing, and before his mother could reach him, he fell over. Police say she ran along the waterway and was unable to reach the boy before he left her sight.
Balloons, candles, and toys now line the span of the bridge. News 8's Natalie Kucko spoke to community members there, who are continuing to show their support for the family.
'They were very happy. It was a very happy family. He used to go outside and play, things like that. He was a very good little boy. Good memories. It's devastating,' said Nichelle Beale, a former neighbor of the family. 'I want him to be found and I want justice. I want the family to be at peace, and to know where he is and not to wonder every night.'
Outside Rochester City Hall Thursday, community members shared a call on the city in the wake of this tragedy.
'We're calling for the city of Rochester to put up a higher gate on not just that bridge, but any bridge, whether it's over water, or a highway. We want to prevent this tragedy from every happening again to any family. There's no words to express what they're going through,' said Marquita Ladd, a Rochester resident.
News 8 spoke with Rochester Mayor Malik Evans for his response to those concerns.
'I think it's admirable the community is concerned about families' safety and that's what this is about — and we'll go back and look to see if there's anything that can be done from preventing a tragedy in the future. Right now, the focus is to make sure the family has what they need. But more importantly, the recovery is what we're focusing on right now and we will continue to be focused on that until we get some closure for this family,' said Evans.
At this time, community members like Beale continue to visit Andrews Street to reflect.
'It hurts. Because if it was my child, I'd be hurt, too. I wouldn't know what to do,' Beale said, 'Embrace your kids every day and let them know you love them every day.'
The Rochester Police Department plans to resume search efforts Friday morning. The department continues to ask for awareness from local boaters and fishermen in an effort to locate St. Pierre.
Two GoFundMe accounts have been created to assist the family during this time.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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