(Jamaica Gleaner) Sherine Kidd was a picture of anguish, staring into space yesterday as she processed news that the body of her son, nine-year-old Kyle Richards, had been found.
Kyle went missing last week Wednesday after being swept away by floodwaters as he made his way home with an aunt and three other children.
When news came that his body was found in a riverbed in the Harbour View area in St Andrew after four days, Kidd did not have words to express her feelings.
Family members and residents of Goldsmith Villa in August Town rallied around her to provide support. Community members said they worked hard to find the young lad’s body as they knew that the family was in need of closure.
FUN-LOVING CHILD
Edval Matthews, one of the men who led the search, said that Kyle was a jovial and fun-loving child.
“Everybody ‘round yah know him, man. When mi a walk go school a morning time, him nah pass and nuh seh good morning. Wi did affi go out in our number and look fi him, man,” he said.
All hopes of the family finding Kyle alive were dashed minutes to 11 yesterday morning when Goldsmith Villa residents spotted the body and alerted the police, who were also assisting the effort.
Kidd’s sister, Shanae Richards, said that while the family is coping with the loss, they are grateful to everyone who assisted in recovering her nephew’s body.
“I have to say thanks to the councillor, Venesha Phillips. She decided that she was not going to stop until Kyle was found, and mi affi thank the inspectors at August Town Police Station because I know they must get day off, but they were here with us from day one. The JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) joined, too, and I am very grateful,” she said.
August Town residents were also happy that the community, which has been having outbreaks of gang warfare, was able to put aside differences and unite to assist the family.
