Family gathers to give tribute to boy

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - A vigil of hope planned for Saturday in Western New York has now turned into a tribute to the young life of eight-year-old Azriel Carver.

His body washed ashore Thursday in Washington State, five days after he and his mother disappeared.

Azriel's father, Jay Carver of Lancaster, flew to Washington earlier this week to help search for his son.

"Here we are on the beach where he landed. It just...it sucks," exclaimed father, Jay.

The medical examiner says Azriel Carver died from drowning.

There is still no sign of his mother, Shantina Smiley.

Family members in Grand Island will honor his life with a vigil on Saturday.

Jay Carver plans to return with his son's ashes after a memorial service in Washington State.