May 5, 2011 - Geneva College
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May 5, 2011

Picture of May 5, 2011

As a community, we have all experienced months of concern, sadness, and bewilderment regarding the disappearance of Devon Minor. I am sorry to tell you that Devon is dead. Chief Charles Jones of the Beaver Falls Police Department announced at a news conference at Geneva today that a body found in the Beaver River this morning has been positively identified as Devon Minor.

We are deeply saddened by Devon's passing. This is a painful time for Devon's family, friends, our community, and so many others. It is a time to recall the words of Christ Jesus: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." As we mourn the loss of Devon, we pray for a comfort and peace that only the Lord can provide.

This is obviously not the outcome for which we hoped and prayed, and we still don't know the details of what happened. If more information is discovered, we will communicate what we can while protecting the dignity of the family and the investigation of the Beaver Falls Police.

We owe a tremendous amount of thanks to the people who worked tirelessly on this investigation. This includes our own Geneva security as well as local, county, state, and federal officials. While many investigators were involved, I would like to mention three people in particular: Beaver Falls Police Chief Mick Jones, Beaver Falls Fire Chief Mark Stowe, and Geneva Director of Security Dennis Damazo.

I have been impressed by the response of our community as we faced Devon's disappearance. From the red wrist bands and red ribbons providing a constant bond and reminder of Devon, to the prayers offered from one end of campus to the other, donations to help his family as they traveled to and from their home near Philadelphia, and the messages and prayers shared on Facebook and our website, it was clear that everyone drew together.

Now, just as our community came together in response to Devon's disappearance, I ask that everyone draw together as we mourn the loss of this young student.

May the Lord provide comfort.

In His grace,

President Ken Smith


A memorial service has been planned for Devon.
Saturday, May 14
Mt. Zion Baptist of Germantown
41 W. Rittenhouse St.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Visitation: 9 to 10 a.m.
Service: 10 a.m.


Click here to read and submit tributes for Devon Minor.

May 5, 2011