Missing boy’s family launches balloons on his birthday
Members of Devon Cooley’s family gathered near the entrance to the old Joyland Amusement Park on Thursday for a somber birthday celebration.
Devon, who would have turned 12 on Thursday, was swept into the Gypsum Creek near Jardine Middle School last Friday and has not been seen since.
Firefighters continue to search for him but high water levels and fast currents have temporarily suspended their efforts.
The family has endured difficult times in the six days Devon has been missing. The boy is presumed dead, but because his body has not been recovered, the family has no closure.
Kristie Krumrey, a cousin of Devon’s, said the trying times have brought the family closer together.
“We’ve all been in touch with each other every day – every day,” Krumrey said. “There hasn’t been somebody that hasn’t called somebody, and it’s amazing. It’s what we need right now.
I’m just amazed at our family. … Our family has done really well, considering.”
The search for Devon continues.
Matt Riedl: 316-268-6660, @RiedlMatt
This story was originally published June 2, 2016 at 10:56 PM with the headline "Missing boy’s family launches balloons on his birthday."