The family of 3-year-old Zyvette Marquez-Rivera is speaking out after her body was found Sunday night.
The child was described by her family as a “princess.” She disappeared during a family gathering Sunday at Casey Park on Knickerbocker Road in the town of Ontario.
A massive search took place using a helicopter, drone, sonar equipment and K-9s, but it was the underwater recovery team that made the discovery. Zyvette’s body was found in the pond, about 30 feet offshore in about five feet of water just before midnight on Sunday.
Relatives say she the last time she was seen, Zyvette was playing in the sand on the beach.
"That’s when they figured out she was missing and everyone when into panic mode trying to find her," said Pedro Lebron, Zyvette's uncle.
"She was just a joyful little girl, a princess, very sassy little girl. Very joyful, her smile would literally melt anybody that looked at her," said Grace Rivera, Zyvette's aunt.
State Police say the investigation into the child’s death is continuing and investigators are awaiting results from an autopsy.
Pedro set up a GoFundMe page to help Zyvette’s mother pay for the funeral and burial expenses.
The family is thankful for the first responders and members of the community who have stepped in to help.
"[Rivera’s mother] is trying her best to stay strong and collected for her other kids, again it’s a very difficult time for her so we’re just here to support her and try to help her out with her kids and everything we can help her out with,” said Grace Rivera.
Dozens of Zyvette’s family members and loved ones returned to where she was found Monday night to reflect, grieve, and revisit the moments spent with her.
Calling hours for Zyvette Marquez-Rivera will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home (2125 Chili Avenue in Gates).
The burial service for Zyvette will begin Saturday afternoon starting at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. and after a funeral procession will be forming to go to Riverside Cemetery.