The body of a 5-year-old Maine boy has been recovered nearly three weeks after he was swept away by the Androscoggin River.
Valerio McFarland fell into the river in Auburn on April 24. His 10-year-old brother, Maxim, jumped in to try to save him. Maxim was rescued that day, but authorities could not find Valerio, who was presumed drowned.
Monday, five miles downstream in Durham, Christopher Lane of Litchfield found Valerio's body while kayaking. He told authorities he was looking for the boy because he wanted to bring closure to the child's family.
Helena Gagliano-McFarland said last weekend that her son didn't deserve to be left in the river like a piece of trash. She said Republican Gov. Paul LePage's office had ignored her, and she wanted the Maine Warden Service to seek help from the National Guard.
The family had been working with a nonprofit search and rescue organization.
The Maine Warden Service thanked the Auburn Police Department and other responders and volunteers who assisted in the search.
