A community came together Thursday night to pray for Anthony Kuznia and his family.
In Grand Forks a church filled with song and prayers for 11 year old Anthony after his body was found in the Red River near his Grandmothers home.
Neighbors, friends and former teachers all put their thoughts out to the family though this time. Those who had been around Anthony say he was a bright, happy young boy who always had the energy to make forts or play around.
The community was shocked and upset to hear the news of the Sheriff’s finding his body.
“It just makes me wonder the things he went through before it happened, I’m definitely thinking of the family and his grandma, I just saw him this summer at the park and had a good talk with him and his grandma and my heart goes out to them.” says Katie Schaan who knew the family and worked with Anthony in school.
The memorial service was held Thursday night at Anthony Kuznia’s church United Lutheran in Grand Forks.
Update August 8, 6:00 p.m.
Tragic news as authorities have confirmed the discovery of the body of 11-year-old Anthony Kuznia. Kuznia’s body was found in the river. We will have more details as they continue to become available.
Update August 8, 5:30 p.m.
Authorities are no longer asking for volunteers in the search of a missing 11-year-old East Grand Forks boy. A news conference is planned for 6:00pm, we will bring you updates as soon as they are available.
Update August 8, 3:55 p.m.
The search are has been expanded for 11-year-old Anthony Kuznia. Officials today expanded their search area to include the Grand Forks area as well. They believe it is possible he could have crossed the pedestrian bridge before the search began yesterday.
Over 400 people are now involved with the search. If you see anything you are urged to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 218-399-3456.
Update August 8, 9 a.m.
Update August 7, 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday night, well over 100 people helped search for 11-year-old Anthony Kuznia.
Police got a call of a suspicious man walking out of the woods near the river and bridge in an area called The Point in East Grand Forks. That’s where many people from the community came together to help comb through the thick grass and tree area for Anthony.
But it wasn’t just residents — multiple organizations were out, as well. The East Grand Forks Police Department, Border Patrol, The Sheriff’s Department, Minnesota State Patrol, East Grand Forks Fire Department, were just some of the law authorities out.
Not only did they have people on foot looking for Anthony, but they were also using a plane from the Minnesota State Patrol to help search from above.
The departments are asking anyone with information on where Anthony is to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 218-281-0431 or the East Grand Forks Police Department at 218-773-1104.
Original Story
Authorities are asking for your help locating a missing 11-year-old boy in East Grand Forks. His name is Anthony Kuznia and he is autistic.
Anthony was last seen about 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday at his home in section 24 of Rhinehart Township. Rhinehart Township south of East Grand Forks, just across the river from Lincoln Park.
Anthony was last seen wearing a gray shirt, gray and black checkered shorts and brown sandals. He is about 5 feet tall and 94 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.
Anthony is known to like RV/camper type vehicles and has talked about running away to a neighbor’s basement. Please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 218-281-0431 or the East Grand Forks police department at 218-773-1104 if you see him.
Mourners gathered Tuesday at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks for the funeral of 11-year-old Anthony Kuznia. As the family mourns, the entire community feels their loss. Anthony first disappeared last Wednesday afternoon and later drowned in the Red River.
Five different police agencies assisted in the procession of more than forty cars including the Grand Forks police, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s office, East Grand Forks police, Polk County Sheriff’s office and Minnesota State Patrol. Dozens of people held green balloons in Anthony’s honor and let them go after the funeral service. Green was Anthony’s favorite color. More than 30 different police agencies were involved in searching for Anthony when he disappeared Wednesday afternoon. Authorities found Anthony’s body in the Red River Thursday afternoon. Police say they hope the procession shows their continued support.
“This is just our way of showing the family extending our sympathy and letting them know that the community as a whole cares,” said Polk County Sheriff Barb Erdman.
Anthony is survived by his mother, father, sisters and grandparents. The family is asking for donations in Anthony’s name, which the family will give to the Grand Forks Park District “S.M.I.L.E. Group” or “Ali’s Boundless Playground”.
– See more at: http://www.wdaz.com/event/article/id/18977/group/News/#sthash.5k1TyJ7s.dpuf
Mourners gathered Tuesday at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks for the funeral of 11-year-old Anthony Kuznia. As the family mourns, the entire community feels their loss. Anthony first disappeared last Wednesday afternoon and later drowned in the Red River.
Five different police agencies assisted in the procession of more than forty cars including the Grand Forks police, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s office, East Grand Forks police, Polk County Sheriff’s office and Minnesota State Patrol. Dozens of people held green balloons in Anthony’s honor and let them go after the funeral service. Green was Anthony’s favorite color. More than 30 different police agencies were involved in searching for Anthony when he disappeared Wednesday afternoon. Authorities found Anthony’s body in the Red River Thursday afternoon. Police say they hope the procession shows their continued support.
“This is just our way of showing the family extending our sympathy and letting them know that the community as a whole cares,” said Polk County Sheriff Barb Erdman.
Anthony is survived by his mother, father, sisters and grandparents. The family is asking for donations in Anthony’s name, which the family will give to the Grand Forks Park District “S.M.I.L.E. Group” or “Ali’s Boundless Playground”.
– See more at: http://www.wdaz.com/event/article/id/18977/group/News/#sthash.5k1TyJ7s.dpuf
SHEILA MEDLAM 