It's been a year since a 16-year-old juvenile detainee in the custody of the Division of Youth Services apparently jumped or fell into the Missouri River in Jefferson City.
Since the May 14 incident, several surface searches were conducted for Robert Nichols, as far away as St. Charles County, but his body has never been found.
Friends and family gathered Friday afternoon at Rotary Centennial Park overlooking the river, to remember Robert and show support for his mother, Yolanda Day.
An emotional Day thanked those who came out to release balloons and said she hoped one day to be reunited with her son.
"That's what gives me hope," she said. "Maybe somebody took him in and is caring for him right now."