A search for Hutchinson’s body in the Ohio River has been
hampered by high waters.
Meanwhile, nearby school districts, some with tragic histories of their own, are offering a helping hand during this difficult time.
“Our hearts just break for our Middletown neighbors, who are really just processing something that is unimaginable,” Tracey Carson with Mason City Schools said.
Shortly after news of Hutchinson’s death broke, Mason schools sent their therapy dogs to their suffering Middletown counterparts.
“Sadly, because of our district’s own experience with tragedies — nothing quite like what they’re dealing with there, but with young students trying to process their own feelings — we’ve found that the therapy dogs make such a difference,” Carson said.
Elizabeth Beadle is with Middletown City Schools.
In time of tragedy, Middletown schools finds outpouring of support
“When he was small, he touched our hearts with his red hair and bright eyes,” Neely said.
Leigh Pheiffer is one of James’s former teachers. She fought to hold back the tears as she spoke about him.
“His life mattered to this entire community,” she said.
“When I close my eyes and pictures James, I see him rounding the corner, coming towards the kindergarten classrooms. I see his little hands clenching the straps of his backpack and his tiny feet coming down the hall. He would be the first one to greet me every morning.”
Those who showed up say they just wanted to be there for their community.
“I just can’t imagine someone doing that to a 6-year-old,” said Michael Ingram, who attended the vigil. “Like, how could they do that.”
‘His life mattered:’ Former teacher remembers James Hutchinson at school vigil
