A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night for the 9-year-old who was swept away while playing in the Duck River in Shelbyville.
On Tuesday, Dreyton Sims and his brother were playing in the water right below the dam when they got caught in the current.
Read More: Search Resumes For Missing Boy In Duck River
A nearby bystander was able to pull his brother out, but Dreyton has not yet been found.
Confirmed: the missing boy is 9-year-old Dreyton Sims. He was swept away while playing in the Duck River in Shelbyville yesterday. pic.twitter.com/JlatUSX4a2
— Sophie N-K (@SophieNC5) July 5, 2017
Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing has urged the public to stay out of the water, saying it is just too swift and dangerous for people to be in.
A vigil was set for 7 p.m. Wednesday p.m. at the Old Regions Bank parking lot off the square, but due to rain it was moved to First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville.
The man who saved Dreyton's older brother from drowning explained how he was barely able to reach him because the current was so strong.
"The 11-year-old I was able to save, and the 9-year-old I couldn't. I couldn't get to him. I...I tried... I dove back in, it pulled me under. I got him out and pulled him to the shore and then I looked and the little one was under the water in front of me," the man said through tears.
Dozens of community members sat in the church praying and crying over the missing child.
Crews will continue the recovery effort Thursday morning.
