OGDEN — The second full day of searching along a turbulent seven-block stretch of the Weber River failed to find 4-year-old Corbin Anderson, who is presumed drowned after he accidentally fell into the murky water during a family photo session.
Personnel will resume the search for Corbin today at 7 a.m.
About 60 people — including members of the Davis and Weber county sheriffs’ offices; the Utah Department of Public Safety; the Ogden Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the FBI — participated in Monday’s effort. Members of the American Red Cross were also on hand. There were 100 searchers Sunday, said Ogden Police Lt. Danielle Croyle.
The search concentrated on the stretch of river from the Ogden Kayak Park off 24th Street and Exchange Road to 17th Street, Croyle said.
Several divers, some using special sonar equipment that can detect objects underwater, probed submerged boulders and the river’s nooks and crannies for Corbin’s body, said Lt. Mark Lowther, a spokesman for the Weber County Sheriff’s Office.
The search was dangerous because divers risked getting caught on debris and rocks hidden below the surface, he said.
Croyle said some divers Monday had their masks and breathing equipment ripped off in the current, and some were knocked into rocks.
Other personnel floated on kayaks and rafts, while some scoured the banks for Corbin. A few, including Lowther, flew in a helicopter to get a bird’s-eye view of the river.
A reservoir in Echo Canyon in Summit County reduced its water flow to 90 cubic feet per second to drop the depth of the Weber River to help searchers, Lowther said.
However, water levels in the river are expected to be raised today.
Croyle said today’s rescue and recovery efforts will involve a combination of Ogden police and Weber County Sheriff’s employees, but there will be no divers because the water levels will be too dangerous.
She said today’s search will be limited to searchers who will walk the river bank and probe along the bank.
Kayakers and canines also will be involved today. Volunteers are not being sought for today’s search because of the swift flow of the river.
Corbin fell into the Weber River on Saturday evening while his family, which lives in Layton, gathered for a photograph. Corbin was seated on a large rock when he tumbled off and into the water, Michelle Faamausili said Monday.
Faamausili is the sister of Melanie Anderson, who is Corbin’s mother.
In addition to Corbin’s mother, his brother, 8-year-old Carter Anderson, and father, Bryan Anderson, were present when the accident happened, Faamausili said. Bryan Anderson jumped into the water after Corbin but was unable to save him.
Faamausili described Corbin as an “angel,” adding that his family hasn’t eaten or slept much since the accident, and they are determined to recover his body.
“We need to find him so the family can have closure,” she said.
Kathy Moore, who is a friend of the Andersons, said the family has been traumatized but is doing as well as can be expected.
“This is a tragic accident that could happen to anyone,” she said. “They are dealing with it the best they can and again thank everyone for their support and prayers.”
The Andersons are pleased with the recovery effort and noted that Ogden police arrived at the scene of the drowning Saturday within a minute of receiving the initial 911 call, Faamausili said.
Croyle described the accident as tragic.
“The whole situation has been heartbreaking,” she said. “We have done everything we can to locate this little boy.”
Residents invited to contribute to memorial fund:
In an effort to help the family of 4-year-old Corbin Anderson, two accounts have been set up at area financial institutions to which residents may contribute.
The accounts are at America First Credit Union and Wells Fargo Bank, listed under the Corbin Anderson Memorial Fund.
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