ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Efforts to recover Zy’Jae St. Pierre, the 5-year-old boy who fell into the Genesee River on Sunday afternoon, have entered a third day.

Rochester Police Chief David Smith announced that the search for the boy has turned into a “recovery mission”. RPD’s dive team is back out on the river on Wednesday.

A prayer vigil was held on Tuesday afternoon on the Andrews Street Bridge, where Zy’Jae fell into the water, drawing hundreds of people who released balloons, lit candles, and prayed for the boy and his family.

“We don’t know them personally, but they’re part of our community,” said Bishop Jeffrey Melvin.

Chief Smith gave an update on Tuesday evening. “This is a recovery operation at this time. We’re just trying to locate Zy’Jae and bring him home and get some closure to the family,” Smith said.

First responders have been searching the Genesee River, including the High Falls basin.

On Tuesday, they worked with RG&E to reduce water flow from the Mount Morris Dam to aid divers in their search, even bringing the water flow at High Falls to a near standstill.

“Since yesterday, we’ve been working with RG&E to gain approval to reduce the water flow in the river from the Mount Morris Dam,” Smith said. “Sadly, we were still unable to locate Zy’Jae with all of these methods.”

Police said the boy was with his mother and younger sibling in a stroller when he ran ahead, climbed over the railing, and fell about 50 feet. The boy’s mother ran along the river, trying to reach him, but was unable to get past the fences quickly enough to rescue him.

“There is video. I have seen the video. This did happen,” Smith said. “And I pray to God none of you have to see the video.”

Mayor Malik Evans urged the community to support the family. “Community, keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,” Evans said. “If you were at the balloon release, I think you saw hundreds of community members come out and say to the family that, ‘Hey, we support you.'”

Rochester police have asked boaters and fishermen to remain vigilant and study Zy’Jae’s face, as anyone could potentially find him. Anyone with information that can help is asked to call 911.

RELATED:

• 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)

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