NORTHPORT, Wash. – The community of Northport is grappling with the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy who vanished into the Pacific Ocean over the weekend in Long Beach on the west side of the state.
Pastor Anthony Burrell, who leads the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northport, spoke about the impact on the community, emphasizing the collective devastation.
“These tragedies are never easy and the only word to describe it is devastation. We don’t like to hear anybody life tragedy that we all know is so wrong about a child going before their parents And all that just in the context of what is wholesome very proud of the team as well as it did this year, but to have it just all kind of stained troubled by this happening, so I’m getting just our devastation it’s hard,” said Pastor Burrell.
The teen disappeared into the water while two adults with him were rescued. One of the adults, a staff member, remains in critical condition.
Roughly 300 people live in the community of Northport, near the Canadian border located in Stevens County.
“We don’t like to hear anybody life tragedy that we all know is so wrong about a child going before their parents,” said Burrell.
When asked about coping with the grief, Pastor Burrell shared his perspective. “Take the time and space you need to greedy don’t feel bad is a natural human emotion is not easy. I believe it’s meant to be wrestled through. Be OK with the fact if they’re not easy quick answers,” he said.
Pastor Burrell expressed his desire to support the community further.
” I don’t wanna push myself, but I definitely don’t wanna be absent. I believe that all whole community leaders I’m all spiritual leaders in the community should be present,” added Burrell.
Burrell hopes to collaborate with other faith leaders to provide assistance during this difficult time.
