Family and friends of two brothers who drowned in the Edwards River Friday, spent Saturday grieving and remembering the two boys.
Nicholas and Jesse Bullock of rural New Boston were reported missing just after 11 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2013. Their bodies were found just before 4 p.m. that day in the Edwards River near 70th and Mannon Road.
Nine-year-old Nic, or Chubbas, was fearless and would climb any tree. His 12-year-old brother, Jesse, also known as baby or little Jesse, preferred video games and music. Both of them, family members say, were country boys.
Friday, the two boys, their cousin and little brother were wading in the Edwards River.
“It's relatively shallow but there are a lot of drop off places. That's what happened. They walked into a drop off,” said Mercer County Sheriff Tom Thompson.
The older boys went under and drowned. Their cousin was able to save their little brother.
“Anytime you've got kids involved, it just makes you sick,” said Sheriff Thompson.
“I grew up with him for probably four years,” said Dylan Williams, who was in Boy Scouts with 12-year-old Jesse.
“It was heartbroken because I knew him since he was probably three and his younger brother Nicholas, me and him used to play at Boy Scouts also and it's just sad that what happened,” said Williams.
“The feeling of this isn't really happening, no they're gonna be okay, and then to find out a half hour later, it stops you in your tracks,” said Ryan Williams.
The small community of New Boston is already coming together to help the family. A donation jar sits on the counter at the Bay C Store and there are plans for a benefit.
“You just can't - nobody can do enough, really,” said Ryan Williams.
For a family who is now missing their two country boys.
Funeral services for the boys will be on Wednesday, July 24, at 3:00 p.m. at the Mercer County Intermediate School in Aledo. Visitation is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the school. Burial will be in Mannon Cemetary
