SOUTH CENTRE TOWNSHIP, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Bloomsburg area community is in mourning. The search for a seven-year-old boy with autism ended on Sunday with the discovery of his body. While his disappearance and death brought the community to its knees, it also revealed their unwavering strength.
Under the glow of hundreds of candles, families, friends, and neighbors gathered at Central Columbia Elementary School, united in sorrow and support.
The vigil is a chance to honor Aiden Ha, a seven-year-old boy whose disappearance brought the community together in search, hope, and prayer.
"The community has stepped up. I heard numbers of 250 people showed up at Blue Jay Academy yesterday," Central Columbia School District Superintendent Jeff Groshek explained.
An intense search started Saturday morning when Aiden disappeared from his old Berwick Road home. A massive search followed.
A state police helicopter spotted Aiden's body early Sunday afternoon about a half-mile downriver. Investigators consider his death an accidental drowning.
Despite the heartbreak, the community's focus has remained set on coming together, first searching tirelessly, now offering support, and standing with Aiden's family during this devastating time.
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"The police told me although they called off the search at 7:30 p.m., there were people with flashlights at 2:30 in the morning. People were adamant to help and do everything we could to find little Aiden," Groshek continued.
The vigil also reminded neighbors that grief is shared, and unity is strength.
Church leaders led prayers and reflections, honoring a boy remembered for his warmth, joy, and love for others.
"For many of us, ha's family, they're friends. Aiden was a classmate, they're coworkers. Some of you went to church with them. And so, for all of us, they're our neighbors," Lives Changed By Christ Scott Township Pastor Brad Travelpiece stated.
"And now what we have to do is be there for the family who are obviously going to go through some difficult times right now, and now I'm gonna ask the community to step up in that manner," Groshek added.
As candles flickered in the night, the community stood together in sorrow, in prayer, and in love, remembering a little boy who brought them all closer.
"He was an amazing boy, who was worth searching for. And so many of us, our hearts just hurt," Pastor Travelpiece said.
No autopsy is planned, and police say no charges will be filed in the case.
