Family members, friends hold vigil in honor of missing toddler DeOrr Kunz

IDAHO FALLS — Around 50 people gathered at a pavilion at Freeman Park Monday evening to pray, remember, light candles and release blue balloons in honor of DeOrr Kunz.

The Idaho Falls toddler vanished two years ago today while on a camping trip in Lemhi County with his parents, great-grandfather and a friend of his great-grandfather. There has been no sign of DeOrr since that day, and nobody has been charged in connection to his disappearance.

DeOrr’s mother, Jessica Mitchell, and other family members, including his aunt, Tanisha Tompkins, shared memories of the child during the 30-minute vigil. Carol Dodge led the group in a prayer and then dozens of balloons were released into the sky with several people saying, “Come home, DeOrr.”

“I feel like it’s people showing their support for little man,” Mitchell told EastIdahoNews.com. “That’s what this is all about. It’s not about me, it’s not about his dad, it’s really not about anybody except my son.”

Mitchell and other family members searched the Timber Creek Campground over the weekend for any sign of DeOrr. Investigators say there has no been no new leads and while others may give up in searching for answers, Mitchell says she’s holding on to hope.

“I’m still going to pass our flyers, I’m still going to keep his face out there and I’m still going to go up to Leadore,” Mitchell said. “I’m still going to keep searching because I don’t have answers.”