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Crews suspend search in diverted Weber River for boy

Posted at 3:24 PM, May 05, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-05 23:49:14-04

OGDEN - One week after a 4-year-old boy fell into the Weber River, crews are continuing their search for his body.

Corbin Anderson was taking photos near the Weber River in Ogden last Saturday afternoon when he fell in the cold, fast water of the Weber River.

Rescue crews from Davis and Weber Counties spent several days searching on the surface of the river and underwater without success.

On Thursday, they received permission to divert the river and lower the water level in hopes of finding Corbin's body.

"There was a shelf that wasn't able to be cleared and some under areas that we're unable to gain access to, so that's why this action was taken," said Lt. Danielle Croyle, Ogden Police Dept.

With donated equipment and labor, crews spent two days working to divert the water, move trees and other hazards and continued their search efforts on Saturday morning. They were able to lower the water level about two feet, but the water was still cold and the current still fast, hampering search efforts.

"Even though the water has been diverted, there's still a pretty strong current and they're still having a difficult time trying to conduct their recovery efforts," said Croyle.

There was still no sign of Corbin's body by Saturday evening when crews decided to stop their search for the night just after 5 p.m.

The Anderson family has been at the site of Corbin's disappearance every day, and they expressed their gratitude to the public and search crews for their support.

"We are very grateful for the donations from the community, for all of our family and friends that have been through this and we thank you for your prayers," said Melanie Anderson, Corbin's mother.

The Weber County Sheriff's Office said they won't be ending their search, but their hope of finding Corbin's body is diminishing. Police say the search will move downstream and will evaluate every day what kind of search effort is practical.