Alfa Barrie and Garrett Warren wished to conquer the entire world.
Barrie, 11 years old, aspired towards being the best engineer in his class. Warren, 13 years old, dreamed of becoming a business titan or a football champ.
These ambitions, however, will never come true. Last week, the bodies of two boys were discovered in waterways located on opposite sides Manhattan. They had both been reported missing days earlier.
Barrie and Warren had been friends for some time and were seen together just before they vanished. The authorities are investigating the mysterious death of Barrie and Warren, while their families are in desperate need of answers.
Ibrahim Diallo is Barrie’s older brother. He wants New Yorkers, who assisted in the search for Barrie and his friends, to use “the same amount of energy” when trying to find out what happened to them. Diallo told a reporter by phone that “we will need help” before we can get to the bottom.
Barrie went missing on the morning of 14th May. Warren was reported as missing the next afternoon. Barrie’s remains found near 102nd street and Riverside Drive, in the Hudson River. Warren’s remains were found in the Harlem River two days earlier, across the island. The body was near the area where the boys last appeared on security footage.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York said that Warren drowned and his cause of death had been determined as an accident. The cause of death for Barrie is still under investigation, according to the statement from the Office.
Diallo remembered that his little brother was a “people-person” who was singularly focused on bringing others happiness.
“He always smiled.” “He was always willing to help others whenever he had the chance,” said he.
Diallo told Barrie that he wanted him to be the best engineer.
Barrie loved math at Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School. The charter school is located eight blocks north of Apollo Theater. He knew that mastering math would improve his career prospects when he grew older.
Diallo remembered that Barrie had a strong bond with their mother Fatoumata Diallo. Diallo could not reach her for an interview on Monday. According to his brother’s account, Barrie was working on a Mother’s Day special project in school just before he disappeared.
Diallo sent NBC News a photo of Barrie, posing for a graduation photo at elementary school in a white hat, lace hat, and pink suit. He holds the certificate with his fingers clasped, up close to his chest.
Diallo is still in a state of raw grief. Diallo described the days following his brother’s disappearance, as the most difficult time of his life. He hopes that the community as a whole will find comfort at the memorial to Barrie, which is being held at a Bronx mosque on Monday.
According to a member of staff at New Explorations Into Science, Technology and Math, also known as NEST+M, a Lower East Side public school, Warren made a lasting impression on all who knew him.
The anonymous staff member said, “Garrett loved to make people laugh, especially his peers.” “He would dance silly just to make people laugh and feel better,” said the staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Warren enjoyed playing basketball and football, and was often found in the gymnasium or courtyard with his friends.
Warren, like Barrie was devoted to academic success. According to the employee, he loved science and would “often beg for more homework” in science.
Warren’s future appeared limitless. The staff member told him that his ambitions were always changing. “One day, he wanted to be an NFL player. The next, he wanted to become a billionaire and rule New York.”
His enthusiasm for the world was contagious. Monopoly was his favorite board game. The staff member remembered with apparent affection that “He always kicked me butt.” He loved his mother, and his siblings.
A member of the school staff, who had known Warren for two years, told me that he often got mistaken as an older boy due to his height. He remained a child – friendly, open hearted and excited about the future.
The staff member stated, “He had many dreams and hopes.” What happened is a tragedy for our entire community.
