ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The search for 5-year-old Zy’jae Saint Pierre continued as authorities focused on recovery efforts in the Genesee River. Zy’jae fell into the river more than a week ago. The Rochester Police Department, along with the Rochester Fire Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the State Department of Environmental Conservation, deployed marine units from the High Falls to Charlotte.
The search conditions have been challenging due to murky and swirling waters, which are not ideal for sonar and pose dangers for divers.
The community has rallied around Zy’jae’s family, with a petition circulating to raise the bridge railings. Current regulations require bridge railings with sidewalks to be 42 inches high, and the Andrews Street Bridge stands at 47 inches.
Anthony DiPonzio raises concerns over railings, saying, “I think ultimately, if you’re talking about, you know, feasible possibility and money wise, it doesn’t seem, you know, reasonable to maybe, you know, heightened these, rails,” DiPonzio said.
DiPonzio is among many who have helped search for Zy’jae. “I grew up and ran all along these trails from here all the way pretty much to Lake Ontario. So I’m quite familiar with the river bank and some of the trails that are here, and it’s the least I could do to donate some of my time and volunteer some of my time first, bring some closure around. This is really sad. Really tragic,” DiPonzio said.
DiPonzio supported the idea of renaming or adding signage to remember Zy’jae.
The mayor’s office released a statement acknowledging the community’s support, saying:
I understand how the tragedy involving 5-year-old Zy’Jae has inspired a profound show of support from the Rochester community. Numerous voices have joined in on social media, fundraising efforts, and ways to commemorate the life of young Zy’Jae.
At this time, the City is engaged directly with Zy’Jae’s mother and family, and we are heavily focused on recovery efforts. At a future time, we will, of course, explore what else the City can do to support this young boy’s family and the community as a whole.
People continue to visit the bridge to pay their respects, leaving new balloons, flowers, and chalk messages for the family.
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Pushes to rename Andrews St bridge after Zy’Jae St. Pierre (June 5) Hundreds gather to pray, leave mementos for family of missing boy as search continues (June 3) Uncle of boy who fell into Genesee River thanks community as search enters day three (June 3) Do Genesee River bridge railings meet safety standards after boy’s fall? (June 2) Search of Genesee River continues after boy, 5, fell in; Community members help (June 2)“I’ll always remember”: Community remembers Zy’Jae St. Pierre, search enters week two WHEC.com.
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