FREEPORT, Maine — Several bouquets of flowers leaned against the stone walls supporting the stairs by the main entrance of Freeport High School on Wednesday, one day after the body of 14-year-old Theo Ferrara was discovered by Marine Patrol.
Ferrara was a freshman at the high school. He went missing on Thursday morning.
From the hours following his disappearance to the moment law enforcement spotted his body in Maquoit Bay in Brunswick, dozens of community members in Freeport mobilized to serve meals, spread awareness and print flyers; anything to assist in the search efforts to bring Theo home safely, according to Freeport Community Center Executive Director Sarah Lundin.
There was so much positive energy around finding him and having that positive outcome. People were doing whatever they could," Lundin said. "It truly felt as though the entire community was really rallying around the family. It was everyone involved in one way or another."
Lundin said the collective response to help find Theo resulted in shock once the outcome turned unfortunate.
"Taking a moment yesterday afternoon to reflect on everything that has happened. It just became very apparent to me that the community as a whole is being affected by the losses that we've experienced," Lundin said.
Lundin added the community center decided it had to provide the same support for the community members aiding in Theo's search.
On Friday, the community center will be hosting a grief space, with bereavement counselors. Lundin said it will serve as a space for the Freeport community to care for each other.
"They also need a safe spot to grieve, to just have the opportunity where anyone involved in the search for Theo, you have a place to grieve," Lundin said.
The event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Freeport Community Center.