Vigil held for missing West Harrison man found dead in Byram River
The 22-year-old, last seen at McShane's Bar in Port Chester, was found deceased on Sunday.
More Stories
A vigil was held for a West Harrison man whose body was discovered in the Byram River in Port Chester on Sunday.
Jan Carlo Yepes had been missing since Wednesday.
The 22-year-old was last seen at McShane's Bar in Port Chester.
Family and friends initiated a search after he failed to return home for Thanksgiving, culminating in the recovery of his body from the river.
Many of Yepes' close family members and friends, like Alphonse Lustrino, tried to figure out where he was.
"We've been putting up missing posters signs [and] working with the police ever since Friday," Lustrino said.
Several law enforcement agencies got involved in the search too, including New Rochelle's dive team who searched the Byram River.
On Saturday, they found his phone in the river on Saturday. On Sunday, they discovered his body there, too.
"Unfortunately, we were shocked," Lustrino said. "As anyone was."
As the investigation continues to unfold, Yepes' family told News 12 that they're choosing to remember positive memories of their loved one during this hard time.
"He was an outgoing guy, he loved to smile. Everywhere he went, he tried to have a good time," Duque said.
Nearly 100 people showed up to the marina in Port Chester on Monday night for the vigil.
Many held candles and shed tears to show support for the West Harrison man's family.
Yepes' brother, Giovanyy Duque, explained the impact of it all.
"It's been a lot for us, especially with this tragedy that we have [had] to go through," Duque said.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Yepes's family with funeral expenses.
