UPDATE as of 8/22: Statement from the family of Amanda and William Green: "Words cannot express the grief, heartache and shock that our family is experiencing. But, at the same time, we are blessed that Jake and Xander are still with us, receiving compassionate care at Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo. While we are blessed to still have them with us, these two boys have a long road ahead of them, in every sense. While they continue their recovery, the reality is they have lost the security of their home and their parents. We have a strong family and the boys will be surrounded with love. Because so many people have requested that we provide a way to help support their future, a funding site has been established. Arrangements have been made at Buszka Funeral Home in Buffalo. The date and times of services are still being finalized and will be shared in the near future."
A GoFundMe has been set up for the couple's two sons.
UPDATE 8/21 2:30 PM: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York releases statement from family:
"We are grateful for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the Western New York community. This tragic event has left us with empty hearts and without words. While the details of yesterday are still being discovered, we want to remember Amanda and William’s legacy as two parents that loved their children dearly. Our family would like to thank the first responders including Erie County Sheriff's Office, Mercy Flight, as well as the dedicated staff at Women and Children’s Hospital for their courageous and caring efforts. At this time, we are focused on Amanda and William’s two little boys and will share additional information at the appropriate time."
UPDATE 8/21 10:30 AM: Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports as of last night Alexander Green, 4-years-old, is in guarded condition in ICU at Women and Children’s Hospital with internal injuries, multiple fractures, and a head injury.
Jacob Green, 7-years-old, who was found by a Sheriff’s Detective, sustained a broken right arm and ankle and is in good condition.
A weekend outing to Zoar Valley took a horrific turn on Sunday when a family of four from Buffalo fell from a cliff at the gorge.
A group of hikers reported the incident to authorities shortly after 12:30 p.m., which sparked an emergency response by authorities from several jurisdictions.
The mother and father, identified as Amanda Green, 35, and William Green, 33, were found dead at the scene.
A 4-year old boy, Alexander Green, was transported via Mercy Flight to Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. As of Sunday night, Alexander was listed in guarded condition in ICU with internal injuries, multiple fractures, and a head injury.
A few hours after the initial response, emergency crews retrieved a pair of shoes that did not match Alexander's shoe size, which triggered a search for another person.
A second child was eventually found, identified as 7-year old Jacob Green. Authorities say he walked out of the gorge floor on his own. He was transported via Mercy Flight to Children's Hospital to get checked out.
Less than 24-hours after the tragic fall, Amanda's employer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, released a statement on behalf of the family:
"We are grateful for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the Western New York community. This tragic event has left us with empty hearts and without words. While the details of yesterday are still being discovered, we want to remember Amanda and William’s legacy as two parents that loved their children dearly. Our family would like to thank the first responders including Erie County Sheriff's Office, Mercy Flight, as well as the dedicated staff at Women and Children’s Hospital for their courageous and caring efforts. At this time, we are focused on Amanda and William’s two little boys and will share additional information at the appropriate time," the statement says.
