On Tuesday during a press conference, the Red Earth Cree Nation community and others talked about finding five-year-old Frank Young’s body less than two kilometres east of the location he disappeared from 81 days earlier. .READ MORE Body of missing five-year-old found in Saskatchewan river.Theresa Whitecap, Young’s grandmother and matriarch of the family, said the family is devastated, but thanks everyone for the support they received during this emotional time for the family and the volunteers who helped search for Young..“When my grandson went missing, they were right there beside us. They guided us, they showed us their love … That 81st day when my grandson was found, they were right there with us,” said Whitecap. .“I come from a very large family circle and our circle was broken when Frank went missing. Each and every one of us are very hurt, heartbroken, knowing that we will not see Frank again.”.The community members travelled to where Young was found and tied white and blue ribbons on the trees..Whitecap said the blue symbolizes Young’s favourite cartoon PAW Patrol and the white symbolizes pureness and innocence..“Frank’s chapter is closed because he has moved on to the spirit world, and the next chapter of his life will start … as we prepare for his final resting place,” said Whitecap..“That will be the second chapter of his life, when we say our final goodbye (at the funeral on Friday.)”.Shoal Lake Cree Nation Chief Marcel Head said they found Young in the Carrot River where they were getting tips about his location..“Frank’s body was found exactly where we were getting direction … He was caught in the thicket of the deadfall,” said Head..Carrot River RCMP’s Sgt. Richard Tonge gave additional information on where the body was found on Saturday evening..Tonge said they'd searched the area multiple times using sonar and underwater drones..“Despite our best efforts and using cutting-edge technology, nature’s powerful. Even in 2022, sometimes our technology cannot overcome nature and it took as long as it did until Frank was discovered,” said Tonge..“This is not how anyone wanted this search to end.”.Red Earth’s emergency response coordinator and another person found Young’s body in the river and took him to the RCMP..Tonge said foul play is not suspected, but the investigation continues..“Since April 19, we’ve discovered no evidence that is suspicious in regards to the death of Frank. Upon examination at the scene, there was no obvious trauma,” said Tonge. .“Frank’s clothing was intact, and everything we saw was consistent with Frank being in the river for a considerable period.”.The Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service performed an autopsy on Tuesday to figure out how Young died, and the investigation continues, according to Tonge..Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte commended the Red Earth and Shoal Lake Cree Nations for their leadership over the past few months..“We also didn’t give up, and that’s important. Let’s watch over our children. Let’s love our children,” said Hardlotte..Head said the Shoal Lake Cree Nation is launching an awareness campaign to remind parents to watch their children and eliminate distractions..“We need to pay close attention and keep a close eye on our children,” said Head..On Wednesday, they will hold a one-night wake service at the Red Earth Cree Nation..On Friday, Young will be laid to rest at the Shoal Lake Cemetery in the Shoal Lake Cree Nation.
