Elijah Marsh honoured at vigil

WATCH ABOVE: The north Toronto community on Neptune Drive gathered to mourn the death of three-year-old Elijah Marsh, who died in the cold Thursday, Feb. 19, after wandering from his grandmother’s apartment.

TORONTO — A vigil was held Saturday for three-year-old Elijah Marsh on Neptune Drive in north Toronto.

The vigil began at 11:30 a.m. in front of the apartment building the boy wandered away from.

READ MORE: Tragic death of Elijah Marsh prompts questions on keeping kids safe

Marsh died Thursday after leaving his grandmother’s apartment in the middle of the night dressed in only a shirt, diaper and boots. He was found in the snow without vital signs after a massive search, and was later declared dead in hospital.

Georgette Marsh, Elijah’s mother, expressed gratitude for the support she has received.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for their support during this difficult time. We’re so grateful for the generosity we’ve seen from Canadians, and we’re all touched by the immense outpouring of love we’ve seen these past few days,” Marsh said in a written statement. “We’re devastated by the loss of Elijah, but we’re heartwarmed to see how many people have been touched by this story. Thank you so much.”

Marsh’s statement was provided by Justin Kozuch, who said in an email that a friend of Marsh asked him to release it on her behalf.

A fund Kozuch launched to raise $20,000 for the family to help with funeral costs had collected $150,000 by Saturday afternoon.

Mayor John Tory attended the vigil, laying flowers and leaving a note for the tot. In front of the building is a growing collection of flowers, stuffed toys and notes of condolence.

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Just one day after the boy’s death a four-year-old was found wandering, naked and alone outside in Etobicoke. A neighbour found the boy and called police.  The mother, who says the child was supposed to be at home, has been charged with abandoning a child under 10.

With files from The Canadian Press