Some 100 people stood on Lovers Leap Bridge Monday evening to light candles and remember their friend Eric Langlois, who went missing in the waters below one week ago.
The 33-year-old Langlois was reported missing June 11 after going to Lovers Leap State Park to try to find his bike, which had fallen in the water the day before. A week of searching by volunteers and state and local police, hampered by heavy rains and a strong current, has yet to turn up any sign of the New Milford photographer.
The official search was scaled back Sunday and volunteer parties have stopped organizing, however family and friends are still looking for a resolution.
“Until we find him there can’t be closure,” aunt Lorraine Poulin said on the bridge Monday night, asking that people keep her nephew in their prayers. “That’s the only thing that can be done at this point.”
John Balzi, Langlois’ football coach 20 years ago whose two children now are the same age and best friends with Langlois’ son and daughter, said Monday that he is still holding out a little hope that his friend will be found alive.
“Knowing Eric, it’s absolutely possible,” he said, as he was always athletic, tenacious and tough.
Along with his spirit, friends all noted Langlois’ great sense of humor that he carried throughout life.
“Super sarcastic,” Balzi said. “Just the sickest, best sense of humor.”
“Definitely a jokester,” high school friend Steve Kulbieda said, adding that Langlois was awarded All-Around Good Guy in the Brookfield Class of 1998 senior superlatives.
“He was a great family guy,” said a woman who described herself as a friend, neighbor and colleague of Langlois’. “His children always came first.”
Once the sun went down and the candles were lit, close friends took turns telling stories from their time with Langlois and how he brightened all their lives.
(Throughout, the microphone had an odd tendency of static breaking in as speakers tried to share potentially embarrassing stories. A sign the speakers ultimately obeyed, without further incident.)
In his prayer at the vigil, Pastor Brian Prue of Walnut Hill Community Church in New Milford — base camp for the volunteer search effort — asked for strength and support for the family during this hardship and, if possible, for a miracle.
“Father, we ask you this one time just to see something amazing,” he prayed.
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