A public vigil was held Monday afternoon for a nine-year-old Winnipeg boy who died after entering the Red River Friday.
About 100 people packed the Ernie O’Dowda Park, including members of the police dive team and Bear Clan, as family members shared stories of Darius Bezecki.
“Cheerful young boy, he loved to be outdoors, he loved to be around his siblings and his grandparents, and all who knew him are going to miss him,” said Celena Genaille, Darius’ great-aunt.
“Always smiles. Always smiling. He’d brighten a room up because he’d come out with a big smile (and a) hug. Just (an) awesome kid,” said Darius’ great-uncle, Lester Clarke, adding he hopes people will be more mindful whenever they see children near the river.
“(Darius) made a wrong choice, got too close. (I) just hope if anybody ever sees kids playing by the water, may not be yours, but it’s a community that raises kids, so … stop, get them away from the shore,” Clarke said.
“That’s the biggest thing so no one else has to go through what the family has gone through.”
Clarke called the outpouring of support from the community overwhelming and said the family greatly appreciated all who came to help search for Darius.
Police say Darius lived near the river and was riding his bicycle with siblings late in the afternoon Friday when he went missing near the Louise Bridge
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service searched the area using water rescue units and a drone with thermal imaging technology before turning the search over to the police service.
After searching through the weekend, police announced the boy had been found dead Sunday.
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