Overflow Crowd Mourns Loss Of Children In Keego Harbor Boating Accident
WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) - An overflow crowd gathered together at a West Bloomfield church to mourn the death of two children in an accident on Sunday on Sylvan Lake.
Joseph Samona is a member of St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church.
"The Chaldean community, as many people may know, is very tight-knit, when something happens like this - we all come together in prayer," said Samona. " I think this is the best choice rather than speaking words to the family - I think our prayers speak louder."
"Not knowing the family at all and just having my heart drop when I hear something like this, especially the loss of the six-year-old, was absolutely horrible - it's extremely important to let the family know that we are behind them in prayer and behind them every step of the way," said Samona.
Six-year-old Gabrielle Mansour was pronounced dead Monday, one day after her 11-year-old brother, Alex, was killed, as the two were hit by a boat while tubing. A third sibling, identified as 10-year-old Adriana Mansour, is hospitalized in critical condition.
"There is no feeling to describe it," Samona added.
Vigils were also held at other churches in metro Detroit.
The three were hit by a boat while being pulled in an inner tube by their father on a jet-ski.
The collision is under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff's Department.
