With the search for Kaden Young entering its 28th day Wednesday, those heading the civilian-led effort say an all-time low of 20 people showed up to scour the shores for signs of the 3-year-old boy earlier this week.
“The task is not complete nor will it be until Kaden is found and closure is brought to his family,” stated a news release issued by search organizers on behalf of Kaden’s family Tuesday evening.
“(The) volunteer base has eroded as the time passes,” the statement added. “This is massive undertaking that needs many hands and material to complete. Now is not the time to step back.”
Kaden is still unaccounted for after he was pulled from his mother’s arms and swept into the Grand River near Waldemar in the early hours of Feb. 21.
Police report Kaden’s mother, who was rescued by emergency responders near Dufferin County Road 109, drove past a road closure sign marked by orange pylons. Her minivan was swept into the fast-moving river and deep water. Police say she managed to free herself and Kaden from the vehicle, but the water wrenched the boy from her arms.
Despite the effort of thousands of civilian searchers in recent weeks, Kaden has yet to be found. Volunteers continue to aid in the search for Kaden, but numbers are beginning to dwindle.
“This is an urgent, ongoing demand for help. Do not forget Kaden,” organizers explained. “Professional trades, military and first responders or off duty are needed.”
Dufferin OPP Const. Paul Nancekivell said the service’s emergency response team continues to actively search for Kaden. The OPP’s helicopter is flying above the area about once per week, canine units are being brought in as available and the OPP’s dive team continues to evaluate ice floes.
“We are waiting for the ice floes to melt. We’re expecting warm weather soon, so we’re hopeful that we can get going there,” Nancekivell said, noting Kaden’s grandfather recently obtained a hovercraft and underwater cameras to employ in the search.
“He is probably going to be on the ice today with it. He has underwater search cameras. He is going to start drilling holes toward Belwood Lake,” he added. “As soon as we can get in on that ice, we’re going to back in with a dive team. We’re sort of stymied by Mother Nature right now.”
In the meantime, civilian searchers meeting at the family’s home continue to be sent out each morning at 9 a.m. Organizers leading the effort say the number of volunteers needed will increase substantially as the search enters Belwood Lake.
“If you can’t come out on a weekend, please join us during the week. If you can’t come weekdays, a few hours on the weekend would be appreciated,” organizers explained. “This is gruelling work, physically and emotionally. If you are not up to the terrain, support help is also needed in keeping searches supplied with food, transport and supplies.”
For more information about volunteering, email bringkadenhome@gmail.com or visit the Bring Kaden Young Home to his Family page on Facebook.
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/03/21/civilian-led-search-for-kaden-young-loses-momentum-after-a-month-missing.html
