ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monday marks one year since 5-year-old Zy’Jae St. Pierre fell off the Andrews Street Bridge into the Genesee River.
COVERAGE FROM 2025: Tuesday marks one month since Zy’Jae fell into the Genesee River
He was with his mom, who was pushing his younger sibling in a stroller, when he ran ahead, climbed the bridge’s railing and fell into the water. For more than a week, Rochester police and RG&E lowered the water levels in the Genesee River, desperately trying to find him.
Drones, scuba teams and members of the community all combed the riverway. Zy’Jae was never found.
“I thank the scuba team, I thank the community I thank everyone that is coming to help us. But it’s frustrating that we haven’t found him yet,” said Latoraya Bryan, grandmother of Zy’Jae.
Hundreds gathered on the bridge to honor him, bringing toys and stuffed animals.
Family and community members formed a petition to make the bridge’s railings taller.
That petition was never fulfilled.
MORE COVERAGE FROM 2025:
- Divers and boats continue searching High Falls area nearly a month after Zy’Jae fell (June 26)
- Family of 5-year-old expresses pain and gratitude as family searches Genesee River for him (June 16)
- Community continues to gather to support Zy’Jae St. Pierre and family (June 12)
- ‘I’ll always remember’: Community remembers Zy’Jae St. Pierre, search enters week two (June 9)
- ‘He was a natural leader’: Zy’Jae St. Pierre’s daycare honors him, search continues (June 6)
- Community pushes to rename Andrews St Bridge in honor of Zy’Jae St. Pierre (June 5)
- Memorial continues to grow for Zy’Jae St. Pierre (June 4)
- ‘Recovery mission’ for boy, 5, who fell into Genesee River continues (June 4)
- Hundreds gather to pray, leave mementos for family of missing boy as search continues (June 3)
- Family friend of boy who fell into Genesee River thanks community as search enters day three (June 2)
- Do Genesee River bridge railings meet safety standards after boy’s fall? (June 2)
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