Tragic Conclusion to Search for Missing Boy as His Body is Found in River, Following the Recent Discovery of His Friend’s Remains
The search for a young boy has come to a heartbreaking end as authorities recovered the body of 11-year-old Alfa Barrie from the Bronx, New York City. The New York City Police Department has confirmed that Alfa’s lifeless body was found in the Hudson River, located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This devastating discovery comes just days after police had already uncovered the remains of Alfa’s friend.
In a tragic turn of events, 13-year-old Garrett Warren, the friend of Barrie, was discovered in the Harlem River on Thursday. The Harlem River is connected to the Hudson River at the northern end of Manhattan. Warren’s body was located near the Madison Avenue Bridge by individuals who promptly brought him to shore.
Remarkably, the bodies of Warren and Barrie were found three miles apart from each other. The two friends had been missing since May 12 and were last seen playing together near a fish market in Harlem on that day. Their absence had raised deep concerns among their families and the community at large.
Following a 911 call on Friday night reporting two boys playing in the Harlem River, a search operation was initiated in that area. However, as Barrie and Warren were not reported missing until Sunday and Monday respectively, investigators did not initially connect the boys to the call.
A source from Barrie’s school, Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School, revealed that the two boys, along with a third teenager, were captured on video crawling through a hole in a fence, which granted them access to the East River. It remains unclear how the boys ended up in the water, leaving many unanswered questions.
Barrie’s brother, Ibrahim Diallo, expressed his confusion and concern about the circumstances. He highlighted the dilapidated condition of the fence that the boys allegedly crawled through, stating that there were numerous holes, making it implausible for them to have jumped over it. Diallo emphasized the need for further investigation into what transpired, asserting that “something has to happen.”
The charter school Barrie attended, Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School, extended its condolences to the friends and family of the young boy. The school’s CEO, Natasha Trivers, described Barrie as a standout student who possessed a remarkable sense of humor, intelligence, curiosity, and bravery. The loss of Barrie has deeply saddened his teachers and fellow students.
“We are deeply devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Alfa Ousmane Barrie. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his families, friends, and the entire grieving community,” expressed the administrators of Democracy Prep school.
Addressing Warren’s friends and family, the school administrators acknowledged the challenging time they are facing and extended their prayers and support, despite Warren not being a student at the school.
An autopsy for Warren is scheduled to take place on Friday, aiming to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The New York City Police Department informed The U.S. Sun on Saturday, following the discovery of Barrie’s body, that the investigation is still ongoing and that the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
During the time when the boys were reported missing, volunteers took part in distributing flyers near a park where the New York Police Department’s cameras had captured footage of the boys on May 12. Among those seeking assistance were Garrett’s mother, Dayshell Moore, and Barrie’s sister, Fatima Diallo.
Overwhelmed by the situation, Diallo expressed her deep emotions, stating, “Sorry, this is just too much, honestly I don’t know what to think right now – this is my baby brother.”
Acknowledging the challenging circumstances, Garrett’s godmother, Christine Vargas, shared her thoughts with the media during the search. She urged the community to keep both families in their prayers, emphasizing the tremendous need for support during this trying time.
During the search, Barrie’s uncle revealed the profound impact of grief on the boy’s mother. He expressed that she had been consumed by sorrow, stating, “His mother hasn’t slept in days. She doesn’t eat. She just waits and cries.” The emotional toll of the situation had taken a heavy toll on her well-being, leaving her in a state of immense distress and anguish.
