The search for 16-year-old Cortez McConer Jr. came to a tragic end Friday afternoon when search crews discovered his body in a wooded area behind a home on S. Fremont St. NE. The discovery, made just before 1:00 p.m., marks a devastating conclusion to an extensive search that has gripped the Grand Rapids community since his disappearance on October 28.
“This is not the outcome we had hoped for,” said Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) Chief Eric Winstrom in a statement. “On behalf of GRPD, we send our heartfelt condolences to Cortez’s family and friends and the many in our community who will be grieving alongside them.”
The area where Cortez was found lies between Fremont Street and Wolverine Boulevard, a patch of land that became the focus of Friday morning's search efforts. Crews from the GRPD, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police (MSP) worked together, employing extensive resources to locate the missing teenager.
Cortez McConer Jr. was last seen on the evening of October 28 in the Rockford area. According to GRPD, the teenager was spotted running from officers near a McDonald’s located on E. Division Street, west of Courtland Drive NE and Kies Street NE. Details regarding why Cortez was fleeing or the events leading up to his disappearance have not been disclosed by authorities.
Over the following days, law enforcement and community members launched a widespread search. The wooded area behind S. Fremont St. NE became a key focus of the search efforts, culminating in Friday’s heartbreaking discovery.
The news of Cortez’s passing has left the Grand Rapids community in mourning. Vigils and prayer gatherings have been planned as friends, family, and neighbors come together to support each other during this difficult time. The McConer family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community.
“This is a devastating loss for all of us who knew and loved Cortez,” said a family friend. “He was a bright young man with so much potential, and it breaks our hearts to know he’s gone.”
Community leaders have also expressed their sympathies. “Our thoughts are with the McConer family and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” said a representative of the Grand Rapids city council. “We are committed to supporting them in any way we can.”
While the discovery of Cortez’s body has brought some closure to the search, many questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding his death. Investigators are working to determine how Cortez ended up in the wooded area and the factors that contributed to his untimely death.
Chief Winstrom emphasized the importance of thorough investigation and transparency. “We will continue to investigate to understand the full circumstances of Cortez’s disappearance and death,” he said.
Cortez McConer Jr.’s death has highlighted the importance of fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. While the events leading up to his disappearance remain unclear, community advocates are calling for open dialogue and collaboration to ensure that tragedies like this are prevented in the future.
“This is a time for our community to come together, not only to mourn but also to reflect on how we can create a safer and more supportive environment for our youth,” said a local activist.
As the Grand Rapids community comes to terms with this tragic loss, the focus remains on supporting Cortez’s family and ensuring that his memory is honored. The investigation continues, with updates expected from law enforcement in the coming days.
