Community continues to gather to support Zy’Jae St. Pierre and family
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The search for Zy’Jae St. Pierre, a 5-year-old boy who fell into the Genesee River, entered its 12th day. City, county, and state boats continued to search the waters.
The community gathered once again to support Zy’Jae and his family.
The Divine Pearls Mime Dancers performed a dance number in the park behind the bridge.
Martina Moye, the choreographer of the group, said they will be bringing “spiritual awareness to the families,” saying Rochester is a community that stands together.
“Here in the community, we just want to reach out. And we want to give our blessings,” said Moye.
The group’s goal was to uplift the community and show support for Zy’Jae’s family.
“Mime dancing is just an expression of dance. And you could see the sorrow or the happiness however you’re feeling,” Moye said.
Many people have kept coming back to the bridge time and time again to say a prayer or leave a balloon. One of those familiar faces is DJ Dan.
Dan said he first heard about it on the news and then came down personally.
“Once you come down personally, it hits you a different way,” said Dan.
Dan said he felt he had to come down to do something.
“Music gets me out of depression,” said Dan. “And sometimes it just messes people up.”
Some motorcyclists who were at last week’s balloon release also showed their support again Thursday, riding in Zy’Jae’s honor.
Organizers requested attendees to wear red and blue, Zy’Jae’s favorite colors, or Paw Patrol-themed clothing.
The Rochester Police Department focused its search efforts around the bridge and falls, with boats extending as far as Charlotte Beach.
The boy was with his mother and younger sibling when he ran ahead, climbed over the railing on the bridge, and fell 50 feet. RPD shared the links to two approved GoFundMe pages to support the family of Zy’Jae, warning about unapproved pages circulating online. Here are the approved pages:
Check back for updates on the recovery efforts.
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