Elijah Vue, 3, was reported missing from Two Rivers Feb. 20, 2024. (Photo source: Two Rivers Police Dept.)
MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The disappearance of Elijah Vue is heartbreaking for his family, and it’s impacting the volunteers, searching for him and the investigators working the case.
Local, state, and federal authorities along with private agencies and companies and dozens of volunteers have worked tirelessly since February 20th when the 3-year old was reported missing, and they’re still working.
According to volunteer searcher, Heather Huss of Manitowoc, “Just wanted to come out, had some time and wanted to just to help, find anything for them, for that family.”
“I’ve got a just a one year old grandson and I can’t imagine the feeling I would have if this would happen to us. So, another set of eyes and that out here, you know, I think it’s good,” added Jerry Nejedlo of Mishicot.
But more than a week after the little boy was first reported missing authorities still have not found him.
“Everybody’s seen that kid’s photo. It’s pulling at everybody’s heart strings. We need to find him, somebody knows something,” said Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig at a news conference earlier in the week.
The anguish of the unknowns, according to licensed psychotherapist and life coach Brad Bordini, is expected to be felt as the investigation and search into Elijah Vue’s disappearance continues.
According to Bordini, “You have mind and body kind of being taxed at a level that really it shouldn’t be, so it’s very difficult for all people involved.”
Authorities have said they’re working around the clock – chasing each and every lead that comes in, hundreds at this point. The job difficult for anyone, but one that most if not all, according to Bordnini, are probably taking personally.
He said, “Even though it’s work related, it becomes a personal drive for those people and it’s very difficult for those people to separate from that especially if the case doesn’t progress in a rapid fashion.”
Whether its law enforcement and investigators working or citizens volunteering to search, the work being done to try and find Elijah Vue is bound to impact people — physically and mentally — Bordini reminding people to give themselves and others a little grace.
“It’s just a matter of constantly checking in, self checking with your body and then pulling away if you need to. There’s nothing wrong with that, take a break. Some people feel guilty in those situations but it’s imperative to understand that we have to recharge in order to be effective for ourselves, to maintain, as well as to help out those involved,” added Bordini.
Because as everyone involved knows, the goal is to bring Elijah Vue home.
The search for Elijah continues through the weekend.
Comments