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On Wednesday, March 3, a large search and rescue mission was conducted on the Chicopee and Connecticut rivers by the Medina Boat Ramp in Chicopee. People were asked to avoid the area so as not to inhibit the search for Aiden Blanchard.
Aiden, 11, of Chicopee, was last seen Friday, Feb. 5, at approximately 11:30 a.m. as he was walking in the Willamansett area of Chicopee, near Old Field Road, and was believed to be heading in the direction of the Medina Street boat launch along the Connecticut River.
Aiden is 5’ tall, 100 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a red ski jacket and black ski pants.
All evidence suggests Aiden was alone near the river at the time of the disappearance. Police have said that foul play is not suspected.
Among the units searching for Aiden are Chicopee Police, Chicopee and South Hadley firefighters, Massachusetts State Police, Environmental Police, Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, Chicopee Emergency Management, and Massachusetts Fire Services.
A GoFundMe established to help Aiden’s family - his mother and siblings - through this difficult time. As of Thursday, March 4, the campaign had raised $12,560 out of its $20,000 goal. More than 225 people have donated with the average donation being between $10 and $50.
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