PHOTO: Courtesy of Two Rivers PD
TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — For the second time this year, the Two Rivers community is mourning the loss of a child.
Jacob Baer’s body was recovered from the West Twin River Sunday morning. The 7-year old was reported missing Saturday.
Two Rivers City Manager Gregory Buckley says 2024 has been a rough year for his city. According to Buckley, “It’s especially tough at this holiday season. Just good advice for all us with our kids and grandkids, hug those kids, hold them tight and appreciate how fragile life is at this time of loss.”
In February, 3-year old Elijah Vue was reported missing, his remains found months later. The toddler’s mom and the man she sent her son to live with are facing charges connected to his death.
And now the community is mourning the loss of another child.
Jacob Baer, a 7-year old, with autism, was reported missing on Saturday, his body recovered from the West Twin River on Sunday.
“Tragedy struck again this past weekend and again our hearts go out to Jacob’s family and loved ones, his friends in the school and as a community we likewise embrace families at this time of loss,” said Buckley.
Jacob Baer was a second grader at Koenig Elementary School in Two Rivers.
The district sent a letter to families on Sunday announcing the boy’s death. It said counselors would be in schools to help any students, faculty or parent who is struggling with the loss.
The search for Baer and his death not just impacting the Two Rivers community.
A Facebook page, launched after he was reported missing, has more than 700 followers.
Its creator starting the page to get as many eyes on the missing boy’s story, hoping he’d be found alive.
“It’s amazing when you see a community come together for a child that no one had ever met,” said Karena Thomas, the administrator of the “Missing Jacob Baer Discussion And Updates” Facebook page.
In the wake of Baer’s death, Thomas wants to keep the page going to help other families avoid tragic deaths, like Baer’s. She added, “At the end of this, my hope is just for more resources and more education for families that have children that are on the spectrum.”
The Two Rivers school district says Jacob Baer was a nature lover and so they are asking for pinecone, peanut butter and birdseed donations through Thursday of this week.
Students will then make pinecone bird feeders for home or school as a way to honor the little boy.
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