OGDEN — Heavy equipment was brought in Thursday morning to assist in the search for a 4-year-old boy presumed drowned in the Weber River.
Trackhoes were used to remove mud and debris as well as alter the river’s channel near the Ogden Kayak Park off Exchange Road and 24th Street to determine if Corbin Anderson’s body is trapped beneath the water’s surface, said Weber County Sheriff’s Lt. Mark Lowther.
"We think he is still here," said Lowther noting the excavation is taking place near the location where Corbin fell into the river late Saturday afternoon.
Corbin slipped off a rock during a family photo session near the Ogden Kayak Park and tumbled into the river. His father, Brian Anderson, jumped in the water but was unable to rescue him.
About 100 people searched Sunday, and about 60 people, including divers, searched Monday for Corbin.
The search was scaled back Tuesday and divers were not used because of safety concerns regarding water levels in the river. Since then search efforts have centered along the river’s banks.
The Weber County Sheriff’s Office received permission from Ogden and state officials to alter the channel of the Weber River to assist in the search, said Lowther. Heavy equipment may continue to be utilized on the river over the next several days, he added.
Liz Waltrip is organizing an informal memorial service to allow individuals to light candles and leave flowers for Corbin at the Kayak Park at 7 p.m. Saturday.
"We really feel like this is the right thing to do to let Corbin’s family know that there are people here that care and it will give those in the community a chance to get together and show their support," she said in an email to the Standard-Examiner.
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