Samusenko Search Team Weighs in Following Tragedy
MARCH 19, 2013- In the wake of Jacob Samusenko's body being found in the bay Monday afternoon, the search team who worked to find him talked to us tonight.
These men and women united the community to find the missing teen.
They had two search parties, but failed to find Jacob...
"I'm glad they finally have closure... unfortunately didn't come out as the outcome we all hoped," says Search Coordinator Ron Thornton.
Jacob Samusenko search coordinator Ron Thornton weighing in following the news the missing teen has been identified as the body found floating in water near the MaritimeMuseum.
He, alongside coordinators Adrian Ewing and Kassie Black worked with nearly 700 community members in early February in hopes of finding Jacob....
"We share their grief as a city for loss and that we are just here for them and hope god will give them peace to get through this," Says Search Coordinator Adrian Ewing.
"I just feel no mother should have to feel this pain or the father for that matter," says Kassie Black.
They searched from Jacob's neighborhood to the Bayfront... Where his body was discovered. Search coordinators say another search was planned when the weather warmed...
"The bay and other areas were frozen at that time so we had some limitations as far as how far we could get," says Ewing.
Coordinator Kassie Black says she shares the pain of Jacob's mother... Her daughter Elizabeth Neimic was kidnapped, molested and murdered in august of 2010... She says her heart goes out to her.
"It doesn't matter if it was an accident or foul play it's just horrible. I feel for her and know how she feels and want to hold her and not let go and if she needs anything I'm here," says Black.
Search coordinators and volunteers say despite the tragedy, they say it shows the community can come together.
"If there is any silver lining, I think community steps up and get out and get active," says Ewing.
The Samusenko family has a fund set up at the PNC Bank.
If you want to donate, the fund is called THE JACOB SAMUSENKO FUND.
Search coordinators tell us they are also working on planning a benefit for the family at the end of the month.
