Search ends with recovery from Genesee River
The family of 14-year-old Zane Johnson confirmed Friday that the boy who had been reported missing on July 6 was found dead. Zane was last seen on El Camino Trail near Conkey Avenue in Rochester, and his body was recovered from the Genesee River, his mother told local media.
Family members, friends and volunteers spent days searching city neighborhoods and riverbanks, including the area around the Driving Park Bridge, which Zane’s mother identified as the location where he was found. The recovery followed coordinated efforts by multiple agencies and a large volunteer response from the community.
Community and school response
The Rochester City School District issued a statement mourning Zane, a student at School Without Walls, and noted that the loss is being felt across the school community. The district said members of its Trauma, Illness and Grief Team, along with additional support staff, will be available at School Without Walls over the summer to provide counseling and emotional support for students, families and staff.
"He is always with me, in my heart, in my soul, in my mind," Zane’s mother said. "I just want to thank the community for coming together the way that you all did to help bring Zane home."
In remarks to the press she described her son as a "gentle giant" who was reserved, loving and humble, and she expressed gratitude to the agencies and neighbors who searched.
Agencies involved and public reaction
Family members publicly thanked the Rochester Police Department, U.S. Marshals, probation officers, hospital staff and numerous volunteers for their roles in the search. Community members had posted missing-person information and organized searches across several city locations during the week Zane was missing.
- Last seen: July 6, El Camino Trail near Conkey Avenue
- Recovery: Body recovered from Genesee River, reported Friday
- School: Student at School Without Walls; RCSD offering supports
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 6 | Zane Johnson last seen near El Camino Trail & Conkey Avenue |
| July 17 | Family reports body recovered from Genesee River |
The circumstances surrounding Zane’s death remain the subject of investigation. Authorities have not released further details on cause of death or any ongoing investigative steps. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve, and community members have been posting messages of support.
Local grief resources and school-based counseling are being mobilized for students and staff who may need support. Those seeking assistance or information about available services are advised to contact the Rochester City School District or School Without Walls directly.
The loss has resonated across neighborhoods where volunteers searched and across the school community that will continue to offer counseling this summer.
