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Why Pierce Crowley's Story Stirred Readers, Residents

Professionals sound off on why the story impacted readers so intensely

When 15-year-old Rye teen Pierce Crowley , public response and support was staggering.

Facebook groups sprang up, and people from Westchester to California sent thoughts and prayers.

And when Crowley was , the channels were once again flooded—this time with relief.

"So glad he's been found," wrote one mother on the Facebook page. "I don't know him or his family but am a mom to an almost-eight and 11-year-old, and I couldn't imagine the pain they must've been going through! Welcome home to your family Pierce!"

It's a phenomenon know as communal loss, according to Paige Stetson, a licensed professional counselor based in Rye and Greenwich, CT who works with both adolescents and adults.

"Whenever a child goes missing the community is deeply affected, " Stetson said. "Parents are filled with a dread and fear that strikes at the heart—'that could be my son or daughter,' they think."

Stetson said people can find strength in taking action, like posting flyers or sharing links on Facebook.

"Participating becomes a part of having done something, which is healing in itself," she said.

White Plains police lieutenant Eric Fischer, who help lead the investigation to track down Crowley, said public support is routine in missing persons cases—especially if it's a child or teen.

"When we have missing kids, everyone wants to help and get involved," he said. "It's relatively common."

"We're very appreciative everyone wanted to help out," he added.

When a Mohegan Lake teen , Patch's coverage generated less comments than the Crowley saga—but residents voiced support in a different way.

The story was shared on Facebook over 200 times. Readers linked the plea from the teen's family publically, helping to spread the word.

The teen, 18-year-old Kyle Jabusch, was .

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Daly Carpet Cleaning May 31, 2012 at 05:42 pm
Well I am so sad it stirred up anger in some people. But then again they did not put their name to the negitive comment. Empty people filling there time I quests. I thank the good Lord he is home and pray they work things out.
Jay Michael May 31, 2012 at 07:29 pm
Glad he is home safe and gets the help he needs. Youtube was very touching. Story got press because parents are WEALTHY. Open and shut. Money makes the world go round. They had the resources to hire Kroll investigator. Maybe if "Papa" was not trying to be a master of the universe, Pierce would not have so many issues. Lots of lessons here about wealthy, privilege, absentee parents, teens, etc. My 2 cents. You all look like a very happy family from the pics but obviously something is a mist.
joe gavigan May 31, 2012 at 07:34 pm
they wanted to send him to rehab thats why he ran away,guess the kid has problems
J.D. June 1, 2012 at 12:50 am
You have No idea about the family. You should not make assuming comments
about what you think about them. How would you like it if someone said untrue facts about you?
J.D. June 1, 2012 at 12:51 am
Don't we all?
T. Lin June 1, 2012 at 03:12 am
Everyone is in pain in one way or another. It is not our place to condemn those around us, whether they be wealthy or poor, handsome or not. Let us simply be grateful for what we have and help others who need our support. Praise.
Crying out for Help June 1, 2012 at 02:26 pm
There is more to this then what has been portrayed.
Obviously he is loved. Obviously he is deeply troubled. Obviously Mom and Dad need to step it up and get him the help he needs and pronto. Clearly his days at Iona Prep are over as this would be over their abilities and expose them to a huge liability should Pierce step up his acting out. Pierce is crying out for help. Money will not solve the problem only many, many years of proper mental health resources. The parents can not pretend all will be okay.
J.D. June 1, 2012 at 07:40 pm
Perfectly said! Thanks for adding your positive and truthful comment.
DebinRye June 2, 2012 at 03:10 pm
This 15-year-old did what most teens at least consider doing when their parents' make them angry. But I don't think that any teenager would ever do this if they understood the real consequences. Pierce will discover that he has wounded his family deeply and probably irrevocably with this one selfish act. Maybe they can return the favor one day and disappear in some dangerous foreign land under mysterious circumstances. Then Pierce can go to bed every night wondering if they have been kidnapped and murdered or are being tortured slowly, or maybe just wandering wounded. Sleep tight little Pierce!
thomas June 5, 2012 at 12:34 am
Poor /Rich / Black , White , Red , or "whatever" A Child found "Safe" is the only thing that matters," Runaway or Taken " is not important as "Safe Return".. Don't put down people for their economic status or insantance in "getting the word out that their child is Missing". Ask yourself, what would you do if it was your child ?..What Would You Do ???
thomas June 5, 2012 at 12:53 am
The Boy was found safe... and I am sure his family is "Releaved" . To assume otherwwise. is just that, an assumption, on your part. Again, what if it was "UR CHILD ? ".
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
mafa11 June 17, 2013 at 12:36 am
Wow just when u thought u heard it all. I had to close the doors to my store in 2009 no one bailedRead More me out , corporate greed is a disgrace its all going to catch up to us. A complete economic collapse the poor hardworking people get hit with everything it is time for us to take a stand!!!
smellypants June 6, 2013 at 08:36 pm
Ah who the heck cares anything about Hen Island?
HEALtheHARBOR.com June 6, 2013 at 08:42 pm
Nobody but you will if one of their West Nile mosquito's bite you under your smellypants!!Read More http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FojgSQne9q8
RyeBob June 4, 2013 at 05:45 pm
While a great event, it is now past. Why would the announcement for this activity still be showingRead More up on the Patch home page? Too few announcements of note?