Devastated mum faints as body of missing boy, 13, is pulled from river

28 October 2023 , 18:35

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Kavion was pulled from the river a week after he went missing (Image: CBS)

The body of a missing teenager has been recovered from a New York river. His devastated mum fainted upon seeing her son's body.

Kavion Godfrey, 13, was last seen in the afternoon of Friday October 20 near the river at East Sixth Street and FDR Drive. The New York Police Department launched a search for the teen after eye witnesses reported seeing him being swept into the water.

A week after he was first reported missing, search teams pulled the teenager from the water near the South Street Seaport. The boy's parents, Laquana Badger Godfrey and Donnell Godfrey identified his body, the NYPost reports. According to those at the scene, Kavion's mother was so distressed she passed out upon seeing his body.

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Kavion was a keen basketball player (CBS)

On Thursday, Kavion's family said they would be looking into suing the city Department of Education after their son ended up in the river. Their lawyer, Sanford Rubenstein, said the DOE had a responsibility to look after the teenager and they breached that duty. He was in the area with his coach to attend a soccer game for Lower East Side Prep, where he played basketball. As there was no basketball training that day, the coach encouraged the players to come and watch the soccer kids play.

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The area was searched for a week (CBS)

Drones and scuba and aviation teams were involved in the search for the teenager and did "everything that the department is in possession of" to try and find him. Kavion reportedly has three younger brothers, ages 11, nine and five.

The DOE issued the following statement to CBS News earlier this week: "Our thoughts and hearts are with this student's family, friends, and the entire school community during this difficult time. We are providing additional emotional and mental health supports to the students at this school."

Kavion's family were pleading for information from the public (CBS)

Kavion loved art, dance and basketball. A GoFundMe set up for the teen has been described as "a light, loving son, protective big brother, adventurous, curious, life-loving, full of spirit". The tribute continues: "Kavion loved being active and took his responsibilities very seriously, among them being a loving big brother. Kavion leaped at the opportunity to support and make others' loads lighter. Kavion and his brothers are deeply loved and guided by their parents Donnell and Laquana, who live for their boys, and not a moment passes that they aren't covered in that love and protection.

The area where Kavion's body was discovered (AP)

"Kavion touched so many and to know him for even a second was to know genuine kindness. Thank you for loving Kavion and the Godfrey Family. Let's cover them in love and support and continue to spread Kavion's light forever."

Lydia Stephens