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Date: 5/5/2021
CHICOPEE – After months of searching, the body of 12-year-old Aiden Blanchard was found. On April 14, the Chicopee Police Department Underwater Response Team was actively conducting a search of the Chicopee and Connecticut River when they located a body in the water. It was found in between the North End Bridge and Memorial Bridge.
The body was transported to the Hampden County Medical Examiner’s Office before being identified. Blanchard had been missing since Feb. 5.
There is now an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Chicopee Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.
The community has shown an outpouring of support for Blanchard and his family since officials began the search back in February. There was a GoFundMe set up to support Blanchard’s family and many family, friends, teachers and other community members gathered for a vigil two weeks after his disappearance.
After Blanchard’s body was identified, Mayor John Vieau made a statement offering his condolences and prayers to the family.
“This has been an extremely difficult time. Words cannot capture the anguish that Aiden's grieving family has felt since his disappearance. All of us have been praying and hopeful for a different outcome. There is nothing more painful than the loss of a child, and the thoughts and prayers of all Chicopee are with the loved ones of Aiden Blanchard,” said Vieau.
The Chicopee Police Department made a statement about Blanchard on their Facebook page.
“The men and women of the Chicopee Police Department offer our deepest condolences to Aiden’s family and friends during this difficult time,” they said.
Many Chicopee residents also offered their thoughts to the Blanchard family on social media.
“My heart is broken for this little boy, so sad. May his Mom and family find peace throughout this very difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers,” said Marie Rose Stone-Kreutzer on the Chicopee Area Community Forum.
Norma Hernandez asked God to give the Blanchard family strength.
"Rest in peace Aiden. My most sincere condolences to his mom & family. May God grant you all strength during this difficult moment,” she said on the Chicopee Area Community Forum.
Residents in the area are now seeking ways to help support Blanchard’s mom, Michelle. Jennifer Burke, West Springfield resident and friend of the Blanchard’s, is leading these efforts.
Burke is asking the community to send gas and grocery gift cards to the family. This will help relieve the burden of cooking during this difficult time.
Anyone interested in sending a gift card can send it to: The Blanchard Family c/o Jen Burke P.O. Box 118 West Springfield, MA 01089.