Family comes together to remember boy

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - This is not the service family and friends planned for 8-year-old Azriel Carver.

His grandma said, "We were really hoping this was going to be a prayer of thanksgiving."

Instead, it's a Saturday afternoon memorial service on Grand Island.

Azriel's lifeless body was found Thursday in Washington State's Puget Sound.

"Though Azreil was here for such a short period of time, he was always in our hearts. And unfortunately, that's where he will reside for ever now," expressed his grandmother.

Azriel's father, Jay Carver, is from Lancaster but has spent much of the week in Washington state, since his son and former girlfriend, Shantina Smiley, disappeared last weekend.

Smiley's vehicle was found, but her whereabouts are still unknown.

As for Azriel's father, Jake Nietopski said, "He's just trying to do the best he can. He appreciates all the love he's got back at home. He knows they're waiting for him to get home. And I know he's just hanging in there trying to get by."

This at a time when Washington State Child Protective Services confirms 10 complaints of abuse or neglect, involving Azriel, were filed between June 2005 and April 2009. An autopsy revealed Azriel drowned.

"Sometimes when we pray, the answer is no. It's like a kid when they get the answer, no. Sometimes they just want to know why," the priest explained.

Those who knew Azriel said he was funny, like his father.

Family and friends are using humor to mask the pain, and hope these words will help the child's father.

"I hold your hand and whisper in your ear. If you're sad today, daddy, remember I am here."