ROCHESTER, N.Y. – A family friend of the 5-year-old boy who fell into the Genesee River on Sunday afternoon is thanking the community for its support as teams continue to search the river.

The search entered its third day on Tuesday, with scuba teams resuming their search around midday. Family and friends gathered on Monday on the Andrews Street Bridge, where the boy fell, covering it with dozens of balloons. That included “Paw Patrol” balloons, the boy’s favorite show, and red balloons, his favorite color.

“He was – I’m not going to say was because I have hope. He is an amazing, loving young man,” said Isaiah Funderburk, a family friend.

People continued to gather at the bridge on Tuesday, including people who never knew the family, to offer their support. Funderburk describes Zy’Jae as wise and loving.

“He was a very wise child, far beyond his time. I can say that. Good sense of humor,” he said. “He loved Paw Patrol. His favorite color was red. He loves General Tulsa Chicken, just like his dad. And he just aspired to be just like his father, you know. So he was just filled with love and joy and curiosity.”

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The Rochester Police Department has been searching the river with its scuba team and sonar but hasn’t found the boy. News10NBC has spoken with community members who have helped with the search.

The search didn’t end when scuba teams got out of the water. Police said many officers continued their search on the riverbanks through the evening, past dark.

“It’s very hard. But seeing the community support, we do appreciate everyone coming by, revving engines, bringing food to, you know, the children that’s out here,” Funderburk said. “Supporting, putting up balloons and stuff like that. I just wanna say thank you,”

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.

Every few years, someone falls into the Genesee River. The search efforts can take days. Sometimes the victim gets swept miles down the river.

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