Tragedy at Boston beach

Melissa Willis, the mother of Kyzr Willis, the 7-year-old boy who was found dead at Carson Beach, was comforted outside their family home Wednesday.

Curley Community Center

The day camp Kyzr Willis was attending is one of the 50 drop-in day programs and summer camps run by the city. The Curley Community Center program has 28 counselors, plus a director, supervisor, and assistant supervisor on the staff. There were 25 counselors at the program Tuesday when Kyzr died.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh said the director of the Curley Community Center has been suspended pending an investigation of the death of the child.

What happened Tuesday

Melissa Willis said she dropped off her son, Kyzr Willis, at 9:45 a.m. Authorities believe Kyzr walked out of the bathhouse by himself at about 2:15 p.m.

At about 2:30 p.m., Melissa Willis was notified of her son’s absence by a phone call from her 9-year-old niece. Boston Police were notified at 2:49 p.m. At 2:52 p.m., Boston police notified State Police, who dispatched cruisers, canines, Air Wing, and the marine unit. The Coast Guard was informed at 3:11 p.m. and dispatched two boats and a helicopter.

The desperate search from air, land, and water lasted until shortly after 7 p.m., when the boy’s body was found 20 yards offshore, behind the L Street Bathhouse.

The Summer Youth Activities Program at the Curley Community Center

The program Kyzr Willis was attending is a city-run drop-in day program for children ages 6 to 12. One of the child’s parents must be a member of the Boston Centers for Youth and Families in order for them to attend. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Kyzr Willis

Kyzr Willis lived with his family in Dorchester and was scheduled to attend first grade at the Mather Elementary School in the fall with his 9-year-old brother, Ralph.

The City’s response

Boston police are investigating how Kyzr was able to walk away from the program. Will Morales, commissioner of the Boston Centers for Youth and Families, said in a statement: “The entire BCYF community is absolutely heartbroken on the loss of Kyzr Willis, and our deepest sympathies go out to this young boy’s family. BCYF will work closely with the Boston Police Department throughout the investigation.”