Family Members Grieve Over Drowned Boy

The Griffins Say They Want to Know How This Happened

By Carol Wang

CREATED Jun. 7, 2012

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  • Family members grieve and now try to find the money to bury 11-year old Isaiah Griffin. Video by kmtv.com

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Omaha, NE-- With her voice breaking, Isaiah Griffin's aunt spoke about how tough times forced Isaiah's family to turn to the Lydia House for a place to stay.

Until halfway through this year, the fifth grader would wake up early to catch a bus from north Omaha to Columbian Elementary.

A few months ago, he transferred to Liberty Elementary.  His principal there remembers a boy always smiling and who loved to read.

What is so difficult for those who loved Isaiah to accept is how he died.  During a summer bible camp field trip to Lake Manawa Beach, Isaiah played a game of football in the water.  When counselors discovered him missing, they found his body floating in the water.

Melissa Griffin tells us his mom wasn't there; she had stayed behind at Lydia House.  Now, they want answers, about who was watching the kids on Wednesday.  "We have a lot of questions.  Why?  Why?"

Teachers at Liberty collected some money to help the family.  Melissa says a fund has been set up at American National Bank under Isaiah Griffin's name.  She says they hope to raise enough money to help with arrangements.  Those are still pending at this time.  His autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.