Boys killed in Green River remembered

Boys killed in Green River remembered

Mourners fill the pews at the memorial service for the two boys.

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Story Published: Nov 21, 2008 at 6:23 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 9:55 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

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AUBURN, Wash. - It's been two weeks since 13-year-old Austin Fuda of Kent was swept away in the Green River - and his body still hasn't been found.

But on Friday his grieving family said goodbye to him and his 2-year-old cousin, Hunter Beaupre. Both were in a car that plunged into the surging river on the tragic morning of Nov. 7.

At Friday's memorial service, mourners learned how Austin apparently was trying to save his 2-year-old cousin, who was strapped in his car seat when the car was swept into the river and sank below its seething surface.

Both doors of the 2007 Volkswagen Beetle were open when the car was pulled from the river, four days later - strong evidence that Austin had tried his best. But the strong current was too much, and Hunter was found still in his car seat.

During the service, Austin was remembered as a loving and nurturing kid. And Hunter's death was mourned by all who knew him.

But that doesn't make the tragedy any easier to bear for the boys' friends and family - and especially their parents.

One of the most heartbreaking moments came as Hunter's brother Colter fell to his knees at the altar - and rubbed a wooden box holding his baby brother's ashes.

When the pastor asked if anyone wanted to speak, Colter was the first to stand up.

"I miss them, and I wanted to say to you all, 'Thanks for being here and supporting him, and I miss them a lot, and I love them both," he said.

Hunter's mom says what happened is God's will.

The 16-year-old driver got out, but high water and strong currents fed by torrential rainfall hampered the search. The family is still searching for Austin.

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